Wave Characteristics & Behavior Basics Real-World Case Study | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Real-World Case Study asks grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students to weigh a real decision about Wave Characteristics & Behavior Basics and defend a solution with evidence.

Scenario: In the coastal town of Pelican Bay, winter storms have washed away thirty meters of protective sand dunes. Storm waves reach amplitudes of 3.5 meters and carry huge amounts of energy onto the beach. The Town Council has two choices. Option A is a $14 million vertical concrete seawall that reflects wave energy right away, but it… Key question: "How could the Town Council combine the best parts of both options?"

What's inside: the scenario, 5 questions to consider, an answer key, arguments for and against for the teacher, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Case Study (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word handout with approximately 660 words (~4 pages).

Classroom use: independent response, small-group comparison, and a whole-class debate 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.