Waves! 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 wave characteristics, light and sound
Begin by getting some background.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet to define and understand wave characteristics, light and sound.
Explain: transverse wave, longitudinal wave, period, frequency, amplitude,
wavelength, interference, standing waves, node, Doppler Effect. You may also
use your physical science textbook, your library's catalog and/or magazine
articles.
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.
Phase 3 - Researching, Creating and Cooperating
 Create your computer presentation using PowerPoint.
 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
Organization
-Transitions
from idea to idea
were excellent,
enhancing the
project
-Worked
extremely well
with others
Cooperation
-Solicited,
respected and
complemented
each other's
ideas
-Easy to follow -Somewhat
most of the time incoherent
-Difficult to
follow
-Transitions
easy to follow,
but at times
ideas unclear
-Transitions
were abrupt and
distracted
audience
-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
-Did not respect
each other's
opinions
-Argued often
-Little or no
teamwork
-Highly
productive
Project
Contents
-Was
dysfunctional
-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:
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://www.physicsclassroom.com/Class/sound/soundtoc.html
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