WAVES PROJECT OPTIONS
#1: CHILDREN’S STORY OF WAVES
Introduction: In this unit we have examined the properties of waves and several types of wave
phenomena.
Task: Create a picture book that describes the properties of waves and some phenomena associated
with waves. Your book should be appropriate for the elementary school level and should tell a story
about velocity, wavelength, frequency and period. You must also describe at least 2 wave phenomena
Guidelines:
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No partners
You must simplify these concepts to explain them for children, but keep the science!
Do NOT include any equations in your book.
Your book should contain a minimum of 7 ORIGINAL HAND-DRAWN pictures. No clip art or
Internet images!
Your book should be 10-15 pages long and done on full size paper.
Be as fun and creative as you like!
Scoring:
Overall Book
1-2 points will be given for including each of the following:
____ Text is typed or hand written neatly in an appropriate size
____ At least 7 original pictures are included
____ Pictures are neat, creative, colorful, and easy to understand
____ Book is 10-15 pages long on full sized paper
Content in Book
1-3 points will be given for including each of the following:
____ Pictures are scientifically correct (may be simplified or exaggerated though)
____ Speed wavelength are explained correctly at an appropriate level
____ Frequency and period are explained correctly at an appropriate level
____ At least two wave phenomena are explained correctly at an appropriate level
Total Points = ____________ (out of 20 possible)
#2: Waves Drawing Project
After having studied the meaning of the following wave terms
and wave phenomena, your job is to create a visual
representation for ANY 15 of the wave terms listed below. The
visual must help explain the meaning of the term and contain
the term itself. Use your imagination - you may show each word individually or combine some to form
a more complicated visual. It’s up to you. Have fun!
Example:
the word CREST
t
c
s
e
r
e
r
s
c
Wave Terms:
doppler effect
polarization
resonance
diffuse reflection
normal reflection
constructive interference
destructive interference
transverse waves
longitudinal waves
frequency
refraction
period
crest/trough
amplitude
wavelength
pulse
sound
visible light
microwaves
radio waves
gamma rays
x-rays
electromagnetic waves
electromagnetic spectrum
medium
standing wave
node/anti-node
total internal reflection
dispersion
diffraction
photon
t
Scoring:
Each word will be scored out of 4 points based on the following:
Meaning of word
Creativity
Neatness
2 points if correct
meaning of word is
clearly shown
1 point for an
original idea
1 point for a neat
picture
1 points if meaning
of word is shown
somewhat correctly
(on the right track)
0 points if idea was
used in class notes
0 points for a
sloppy picture
0 points if meaning
of word is not
shown correctly
Guidelines:
 The entire project (15 words) will be scored out of 60 total
points
 You may use pen, pencil, colored pencils, markers, paint, or
computers – your choice. Just remember that you will be
graded on your neatness.
 No partners!
 Your pictures should be stapled together in a booklet or
combined onto one large poster.
#3: Make Your Own Video Project
Purpose: To create an entertaining and informative video which the
physics department can use to aid in the teaching of electricity,
circuits and/or magnetism.
Task: Create a 10 to15 minute video in which you demonstrate and
explain a topic we have learned about in our Electricity and
Magnetism Unit.
Guidelines:
1. You may work in a group of no more than 3 people
2. Film should be appropriate for an introductory physics class of your peers
3. A rating of no more than PG
4. Library has cameras available to sign out
Scoring:
Physics
Content
Demonstration
Physics
Content
Explanation
One
Three
Five
Confusing or
incomplete
demonstration of
concept
Some confusion or
missing details in the
demonstration of
concept
Completely clear,
thorough, and detailed
demonstration of
concept
Inaccurate, confusing, A few inaccuracies or
or incomplete
some confusion in the
explanation of concept explanation of concept
Completely accurate,
clear, thorough, and
appropriate level
explanation of concept
Overall Video
Production
Unpolished, major
editing flaws, boring,
or pace is too
fast/slow
Minor editing flaws,
somewhat amusing, or
pace is off at times
Looks great, smooth
editing, good pace,
very entertaining
Extras
(music,
graphics, etc)
Inappropriate,
distracting, or none
A few are
unnecessary or
distracting
Appropriate, adds to
the experience
Total Points = ____________ (out of 20 possible)
#4: Electronic Device Project (Motor/generator)
Purpose: To demonstrate knowledge of magnetism and its application using an
electronic device.
Task: This project is for those interested or experienced in working with
electronics. It involves actually constructing circuits and providing functioning
tools with different applications of magnetism. A written analysis of the device and how it uses
magnetism is required and should be about 2 paragraphs in length. A detailed circuit diagram of the
device must also be included.
Guidelines:
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Go to www.makezine.com and browse through the various electronics projects
You must select one device to build and it must be approved by your teacher!
You may work with a partner
Your device must work
Scoring:
1 point
3 points
5 points
Craptastic! Did you
build it this morning?
OK. Isn’t falling
apart, but a few
weak points in
construction.
Fantastic! Well-built,
solid construction, a
lot of effort was
clearly put forth
Circuit
Diagram
I have no idea what
you did
Missing some detail,
labels, components
or somewhat
confusing
All components are
included and labeled
with enough detail
so another person
could build it
Written
explanation
What? Vague,
confusing,
incomplete or less
than one paragraph
Basic summary of
the device but
missing some of the
detail or shorter than
2 paragraphs
Complete analysis of
the device and how
it works, 2
paragraphs long
Function
Poor. It only works
for you and only if no
one else is watching
Fair. It does what
it’s supposed to do
MOST of the time
Super! Works
perfectly every time.
Call the patent
office!
Design
Total Points = _______________ (out of 20 possible)