2. Do the Wave! Activity #1 Source:

3. A wave is a repetitive motion that travels through matter or space.

4. They are all around us- water waves, sound waves, and radio waves… just to name a few.

5. Waves (except for light waves) need to travel through some sort of medium, such as solid, liquid, or gas.

6. There are two types of waves: Longitudinal Longitudinal Transverse Transverse

7. Longitudinal waves move in the same direction as the medium. An example is a sound wave.

8. Transverse waves cause the medium to move up and down. An example is an ocean wave.

9. Directions for Activity #1 Part A Making Longitudinal Waves 1. Partners will each pull an end of a spring out to a length of about 2 meters. 2. Grasp a middle section of spring and pull it toward yourself. 3. Let the spring go. 4. Use a digital camera to take pictures or video of this activity. What happened to the spring when it was released? Which direction did the “wave” travel?

10. Directions for Activity #1 Part B Transverse Waves 1. Partners will each pull an end of a spring out about 2 meters. 2. Move your hand very quickly back and forth on the spring. 3. Use a digital camera to take pictures or video of the activity. What happened to the spring ? Which direction did the “wave” travel?