Understanding Waves (5-8)

Understanding Waves advances understanding and effective teaching about light waves, the electromagnetic spectrum, and sound waves.

Course Objectives

• Describe the electromagnetic spectrum
• Explain fundamental principles of light absorption and reflection
• Explain the similarities and differences between visible light waves and other kinds of waves, including sound waves
• Examine the use of guiding questions, prediction making, and multiple strategies for teaching these topics

Course Syllabus

Session 1: Light and Sound Waves
Participants explore the nature of light and sound waves and their technology applications.

Session 2: Uncovering What Students Know
In a companion methodology session, participants look at light and waves in the context of how to questioning and prediction strategies can help you uncover a learner's prior knowledge.

Additional Course Information

• Second in a series of four courses for teachers of middle school physical science
• Other courses in the series:
  • 1st course: Understanding Energy Transfer ^‡
  • 3rd course: Understanding Heat Transfer
  • 4th course: Understanding Solubility and Density
• A full survey course, Teaching Middle School Physical Science, is also available.

^‡ recommended before taking this course

We recommend course modules be taken in order. If this is not possible, it's important to have a basic knowledge of the content and methodology described in the preceding courses.

See also: Course Tour example