Waves! – adapted from Ms. Moore & Mrs. Eimers, North Polk High School
An Internet WebQuest on Light and Sound
Introduction
We are surrounded by waves. Some we are very aware of - waves on the surface of a lake,
the wave that takes place in the stadium of an athletic event. Others we are less aware of,
though often we notice their effects - sound and light waves for example.
The Quest
Select a type of wave, conduct research, and prepare a computer presentation.
The Process and Resources
In this WebQuest you will explore Web pages about wave characteristics, light and sound
Begin by getting some background.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet information linked below to define and understand wave characteristics,
light and sound. You may also use your physical science textbook, your library's catalog
and/or magazine articles.

Encyclopedia.Com, Powered by eLibrary - Search for general information on wave
characteristics, light and sound.
Phase 2 - Instructions in depth
1. Research general information on wave characteristics, light and sound using the
Internet links provided.
2. Create a list of different types of waves.
3. Choose one of the waves generated by the list above. Once you have made your
decision, notify your teacher.
4. Conduct more specific research on the wave you chose. Use the Internet links
provided, magazines online, inter-library loan, the school library, etc.
Phase 3 - Researching, Creating and Cooperating
 Create your computer presentation using PowerPoint or AppleWorks.
 Include graphics where appropriate.
 The first slide should include the title and your name.
 The last slide should be the bibliography (this includes where you found your graphics).
Phase 4 - Waves: Characteristics, Light and Sound Rubric
Awesome
Admirable
Acceptable
Unacceptable
-Well organized
-Thoughtfully
organized
-Somewhat
organized
-Choppy and
confusing
-Logical format
-Easy to follow -Somewhat
most of the time incoherent
Organization
-Transitions
from idea to idea
were excellent, -Transitions
enhancing the
easy to follow,
project
but at times
ideas unclear
-Worked
extremely well
with others
Cooperation
-Solicited,
respected and
complemented
each other's
ideas
-Transitions not
always smooth
and at times
distracted the
audience
-Worked very
-Attempted to
well with others work well with
others
-Worked to get
everyone
-At times "off
involved
task" and not
everyone was
actively involved
-Productive
team
Project
Presentations
-Transitions
were abrupt and
distracted
audience
-Was
dysfunctional
-Did not respect
each other's
opinions
-Argued often
-Little or no
teamwork
-Highly
productive
Project
Contents
-Difficult to
follow
-Excellent job of -Good job of
research
research
-Acceptable job
of research
-Unacceptable
job of research
-Utilized
information
effectively
-Limited
information
-Little or no fact
gathering
-Utilized
information in
an efficient
manner
-Original, unique -Clever, at times -Few original
approach
unique
touches
-Predictable,
bland
-Engaging,
provocative
-Demonstrates
in-depth
understanding of
Conceptual
Understandings wave
characteristics,
light and sound
-Well done,
interesting
-At times
interesting
-Did not keep
audience
interested
-Demonstrates
understanding of
wave
characteristics,
light and sound
-Demonstrates
fairly complete
understanding of
wave
characteristics,
light and sound
-Demonstrates
unclear
understanding of
wave
characteristics,
light and sound
Conclusion
You have all done a lot of research on wave characteristics, light and sound. You know a
lot! Nice work. You should be proud of yourselves! How can you use what you've learned in
your everyday life? What real life applications do you see as a result of this activity? What
other information about wave characteristics, light and sound could still be explored?
Remember, learning--like waves--never stops working
Additional Websites:
This website gets you to the original Webquest that I took this activity from”
http://hs.n-polk.k12.ia.us/departments/media/wave.html#resources
Go to the Plymouth School District site – click Homework and assignments, and select your teacher to
access this document and its related sites: http://www.plymouth.k12.wi.us
These are sites about fiber optics:
http://www.howstuffworks.com/fiber-optic.htm/printable
http://www.jiskha.com/science/physics/fiber_optics.html
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/refrn/U14L3b.html
This is a Webquest on Earthquakes and has links to good sites!
http://physicsquest.homestead.com/quest15eq.html
This is a Webquest on Tsunamis and has links to good sites!
http://physicsquest.homestead.com/quest15ts.html
Sites about Sound:
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/sound/soundtoc.html
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefArticle.aspx?refid=761560639&pn=1#s1
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/RefMedia.aspx?refid=461534808
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/InfoToGo/567/567.html
This is a Webquest on Sound and has some great links!
http://www.springs.k12.wi.us/sound.html
This is a Webquest on electromagnetic waves – also, good links here!
http://www.foothilltech.org/nhill/cp_pages/Light%20and%20Sound%20WebQuest.htm
This is a Webquest on Light – a good learning tool and lots of good links!
http://www.stcharles.k12.la.us/webquests/Reflection_Refraction/reflection_webquest.htm