ScienceWaves, Light & SoundAges 11–12

Wave Properties & Types

Describe waves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and wave speed; distinguish transverse waves (oscillation perpendicular to direction of travel) from longitudinal waves (oscillation parallel); and use the wave equation v = fλ

Lesson

Set out your lesson

Practise the bounded task in Wave Properties & Types; see exact limits before inferring broader coverage.

Before teaching

Use this short check, then start teaching.

Activity

Multiply/divide and read a labelled axis; recognise metres and seconds.

Policy

Exact directed source edges retained; earlier authorship is not learner attainment.

Printer, credit, and teaching notes

Exact directed source edges retained; earlier authorship is not learner attainment.

Materials

These supplied stage cards
Scrap paper and pencil; oral/pointing response where appropriate

Sequence

Read readiness and decide on support without treating prerequisite authoring as learner readiness.
Open Show first and explain its model.
Use Guided Try with support and its separate adult key.
Close Show and guided keys before Try, unless this Try is explicitly supported.
Reflect on an actual attempt, including help used.

No Printer

Use the supplied screen cards; copying the exact task to paper is optional, not required.

Privacy

Use only invented scenarios and optional anonymous local notes. Do not request names, photos, family finances, medical data, accounts or uploads. Stop uncomfortable physical activity.

Use the complete materials on screen or print only the current sheet. Keep adult guidance out of learner view.

Next: Show

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Teaching approaches

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1 approach

Selected Default Gakuva

Practise the bounded task in Wave Properties & Types; see exact limits before inferring broader coverage.

Family records and proof options

Keep a record of your learning

Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.

View learner plans ($12/mo per learner) See sample family archive

Learning resources

Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.

PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson

Wave on a String

Open practice(new tab)

Before you open · source notes

Wave on a String supports hands-on exploration for Wave Properties & Types. Not every lab worksheet.

Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.

Before you open

Ask the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.

Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.

Source, access and review notes

Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.

PhET Interactive Simulations. “Wave on a String.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.

Unknown — link only

Check understanding

Labels a wave diagram with amplitude, wavelength, crest, and trough
Distinguishes transverse and longitudinal waves and gives an example of each
Uses v = fλ to calculate wave speed, frequency, or wavelength given the other two
Explains what happens to wavelength if frequency increases while wave speed stays constant

“If your child was asked to describe a wave and how fast it travels, could they sketch one, label the wavelength and amplitude, and use the wave equation to work out speed from the frequency and wavelength?”

Curriculum record

Type: Conceptual
Subject: Science
Domain: Waves, Light & Sound
Age range: Ages 11–12

Standards

ngss-ms:MS-PS4-1uk-nc-2013:KS3.Sci.Phys.Waves.1uk-nc-2013:KS3.Sci.Phys.Waves.2

Curriculum