Standards

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

This lesson is building toward:

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATION (PE)

MS-PS4-2

Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials. [Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on both light and mechanical waves. Examples of models could include drawings, simulations, and written descriptions.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment is limited to qualitative applications pertaining to light and mechanical waves.]

A note from the authors: A note from the authors: Students build understanding of only one aspect of this Performance Expectation in this lesson (specifically, that waves move differently through various materials) and will not build a stronger understanding until the next lesson in this sequence Lesson 8.7: Digitized Signals. Be aware that in helping students develop models of wave behavior, this lesson goes beyond the assessment boundary of MS-PS4-2, which states that wave behavior will only be addressed for light and mechanical waves; introducing the electromagnetic spectrum is beyond the middle school level. However, because this phenomenon is compelling and includes many important aspects of the Evidence Statements for MS-PS4-2, it is useful to build student understanding. Note that the lesson specifically avoids discussion of the electromagnetic spectrum, as that is more appropriate for high school.

NGSS Lead States. 2013. Next Generation Science Standards: For States, By States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PRACTICES (SEP)

Developing and Using Models

Develop or modify a model–based on evidence–to match what happens if a variable or component of a system is changed.
Develop and/or use a model to predict and/or describe phenomena.
Develop a model to predict and/or describe unobservable mechanisms.

Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

Plan an investigation individually and collaboratively, and in the design: identify independent and dependent variables and controls, what tools are needed to do the gathering, how measurements will be recorded, and how many data are needed to support the claim.

DISCIPLINARY CORE IDEAS (DCI)

PS4.A: Wave Properties

A simple wave has a repeating pattern with a specific wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. (MS-PS4-1) *only wavelength is explored
A sound wave needs a medium through which it is transmitted. (MS-PS4-2)

CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS (CCC)

Cause and Effect

Cause and effect relationships may be used to predict phenomena in natural or designed systems.

Energy and Matter

Energy may take different forms (e.g. energy in fields, thermal energy, energy of motion).
The transfer of energy can be tracked as energy flows through a designed or natural system.

Structure and Function

Complex and microscopic structures and systems can be visualized, modeled, and used to describe how their function depends on the shapes, composition, and relationships among its parts.
Structures can be designed to serve particular functions by taking into account properties of different materials, and how materials can be shaped and used.

“Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts” are reproduced verbatim from A Framework for K-12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/13165. National Research Council; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Board on Science Education; Committee on a Conceptual Framework for New K-12 Science Education Standards. National Academies Press, Washington, DC. This material may be reproduced for noncommercial purposes and used by other parties with this attribution. If the original material is altered in any way, the attribution must state that the material is adapted from the original. All other rights reserved.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

CCSS ELA SPEAKING & LISTENING

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 8 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4
Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.

CCSS ELA WRITING

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.2
Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.

California English Language Development (ELD) Standards

CA ELD

Part 1.8.2: Interacting with others in written English in various communicative forms (print, communicative technology and multimedia)

EMERGING

EXPANDING

BRIDGING

P1.8.2 Engage in short written exchanges with peers and collaborate on simple written texts on familiar topics, using technology when appropriate.

P1.8.2 Engage in longer written exchanges with peers and collaborate on more detailed written texts on a variety of topics, using technology when appropriate.

P1.8.2 Engage in extended written exchanges with peers and collaborate on complex written texts on a variety of topics, using technology when appropriate.

In addition to the standard above, you may find that you touch on the following standards in this lesson as well:

P1.8.1: Exchanging information and ideas with others through oral collaborative discussions on a range of social and academic topics
P1.8.3: Offering and justifying opinions, negotiating with and persuading others in communicative exchanges
P1.8.5: Listening actively to spoken English in a range of social and academic contexts
P1.8.6: Reading closely literary and informational texts and viewing multimedia to determine how meaning is conveyed explicitly and implicitly through language
P1.8.8: Analyzing how writers and speakers use vocabulary and other language resources for specific purposes (to explain, persuade, entertain, etc.) depending on modality, text type, purpose, audience, topic, and content area
P1.8.11: Justifying own arguments and evaluating others’ arguments in writing
P1.8.12: Selecting and applying varied and precise vocabulary and other language resources to effectively convey ideas
P2.8.5: Modifying to add details
P2.8.6: Connecting ideas