Parts and Sizes of Waves study Geographic

1. Introduce the parts of a wave.
Draw a simple wave with two crests and one trough on the board so all students can see it. Explain that each part of a wave has a name, just like each part of the body has a name. Draw a line to the highest part of the wave and write the label crest. Tell students that the crest is the top of the wave. Draw a line to the lowest part of the wave and write the label trough. Tell students that the trough is the lowest point between each crest. Have students draw a similar wave on a piece of construction paper and add the labels.

2. Introduce the concept of wave height.
Put the drawings together in a visible place, by taping them to the wall or laying them together on a tabletop. Explain to students that like their drawings of waves, all waves are different sizes. Ask students to compare their drawings and figure out which drawing has the tallest or shortest waves. Tell students that you’re looking at wave height, or the distance between trough and crest. If needed, remind students of the meanings of trough and crest. Model drawing a vertical line from trough to crest and adding the label “wave height.” Then have students do the same on their drawings.

3. Introduce the concept of wavelength.
Next, have students compare their drawings and figure out which drawing shows waves that are the farthest apart or closest together. Tell students you’re looking at wavelength, or the distance from crest to crest. If needed, remind students of the meaning of crest. Explain to students that they can also look at the distance from trough to trough to see wavelength. Model drawing a horizontal line from crest to crest on their drawings and adding the label “wavelength.” Then have students do the same on their drawings.

4. Display students’ drawings.
Ask students to write their names on their drawings. Display the drawings in the classroom or hallway.

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