Science Lab: Water wave tank

How can we measure the properties of a wave?

  Students in Teacher Dan’s M4 Science class explored the nature and properties of waves using a water wave tank. Students generated water waves and directly measured the amplitude and wavelength of the waves using the scale on the wave tank. They also timed the waves to determine their period and frequency and used their measurements to investigate the speed of the waves. By collecting real measurements from the water wave tank, students connected wave concepts such as amplitude, wavelength, period, frequency, and wave speed to physical observations. This hands-on investigation helped students develop a deeper understanding of how the properties of waves can be measured experimentally.