Wave Characteristics & Behavior Basics Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of Wave Characteristics & Behavior Basics.

Driving question: "How do wave amplitude and medium tension influence wave speed and transported energy?" Objective: Model wave propagation along a tensioned coiled spring to measure wave speed and quantify the relationship between wave amplitude and transmitted energy.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (One heavy-duty helical coiled spring…; Two precision electronic digital…; One meter stick or retractable…; One spring scale (0–20 N capacity) for…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 670 words (~5 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.