Sonic Wave Wonders

Plan

9th Grade Project 2 weeks

Sonic Wave Wonders

Ramon S

HS-PS4-1

HS-PS4-5

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to engage 9th-grade students in an immersive exploration of sound waves through hands-on projects and community collaboration. Students will investigate the scientific principles of wave behavior while connecting these concepts to real-world applications, such as poetry and sound technology. By constructing speaker models and presenting their findings, students will develop critical thinking, self-directed learning, and communication skills, fostering a deeper understanding of how sound waves impact their daily lives and communities. The project launches with students reading an article about sound waves and exploring how waves travel in a speaker, considering variations over day and night.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of sound wave properties, including frequency, wavelength, and speed, by constructing and analyzing simple speaker models. They will apply mathematical representations to explore wave behaviors in various media, and communicate technical information effectively through a research poster and spoken performance. By engaging in self-directed learning and critical reflection, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and academic mindset, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within their learning community. Students will launch their exploration by reading an article about sound waves and investigating how waves travel through a speaker, observing changes over day and night.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-1 - Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-1 - Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-5 - Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a poster board detailing their research on sound waves, illustrating the relationship between their chosen poem's strongest emotional point and the highest pitch. They will construct simple speaker models using everyday materials to demonstrate the principles of sound wave generation and transmission. By the end of the project, students will prepare a presentation that educates others on how sound waves impact daily life, incorporating their findings and insights gained from community partner feedback. Students will launch the project by reading an article about sound waves, exploring how waves travel through a speaker, and observing variations over day and night.

Launch

Begin the project with an interactive sound wave exploration session where students use tuning forks, rubber bands, and water to observe wave patterns and vibrations. Follow this hands-on activity by having students read an article on sound waves, exploring how waves travel through speakers and the differences in wave behavior over day and night. This launch will engage students and provide a foundational understanding for their upcoming investigations and presentations.

Exhibition

Students will host a community exhibition where they showcase their poster boards, illustrating the relationship between their chosen poem's strongest connection and sound wave principles. They will provide live demonstrations using their handmade speaker models to visually and audibly explain how sound waves travel and affect our daily lives. Attendees, including community partners, will engage with students, offering feedback and discussing the implications of sound waves in various media and technologies. This interactive exhibition will also include a spoken word performance, where students demonstrate the decibel readings of their poems' highest pitches, connecting the scientific and artistic elements of sound.