Introduction to Electromagnetic Waves
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Subject Area: Science | Grade Level: 11
Lesson Length: 15 minutes or less
Keywords/Tags: Physical Science, Electromagnetic Waves, Waves, Introduction
Lesson Description: In this lesson, students will be introduced to the concept of electromagnetic waves. This will include identifying the different parts of a wave with key vocabulary terms, such as crest, trough, wavelength, and amplitude. Students will watch a short Crash Course video, complete a 10-question quiz, and explore additional resources to prepare for the next day of class.

  • Other Georgia Standard SPS4d: Plan and carry out investigations to characterize the properties and behavior of electromagnetic waves. Objective: Through the introduction, students will identify elements of a wave with 50% accuracy.
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Video : Crash Course: Traveling Waves
Instructions: Please watch the following video as many times as needed before starting to go through other lesson pages. Understanding the content of the video is very important since the lesson activities will be all about this video content.Please watch the following video as many times as needed before starting to go through other lesson pages. Understanding the content of the video is very important since the lesson activities will be all about this video content.
Description: Learn about the different forms of waves and the different components that change the strength of a wave.
Quiz : Introduction to Waves
Instructions: Please complete this quiz by choosing the correct answer for each question. You can take this quiz as many times needed.
Question #1

How do waves start?

Question #2

Which direction do waves move?

Question #3

What is the top of a wave called?

Question #4

What is the bottom of a wave called?

Question #5
Amplitude affects the height of a wave.
Question #6
Amplitude describes how many wavelengths passed through a given point within a specific time frame.
Question #7

What is the distance from crest to crest?

Question #8

Which wave moves up and down?

Question #9

Which wave moves back and forth?

Question #10

What do all waves have in common?

Description: After completing the Crash Course video, respond to the questions based on the video.
Resources : Additional Resources
Instructions: Please see additional external resources below. Feel free visit each link to learn more about this lesson.
Phet Simulation: Waves
This is a great simulation that we will be utilizing in class for the next several days. Explore the website and gain familiarity before we dive into class assignments and practices.
Transverse vs. Longitudinal
To help you get familiar with the differences between transverse waves and longitudinal waves, view this video!
Parts of a Wave
If you are still unsure about the different parts of a wave, this website has a great diagram of the waves as well as descriptions of each part.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
See what NASA has to say about the significance of the Electromagnetic Wave Spectrum!
Description: To better prepare for class tomorrow, view the following resources. There is a variety of content here that will help you get ahead in tomorrow's discussion and activities!