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Science · Grade 8

Waves and Technology

Learners use a wave model of light to explain reflection, refraction, absorption, transmission and colour, then explore the whole electromagnetic spectrum, its uses and hazards, and calculate wavelengths with c = fλ. They see how sound and other signals are digitised by sampling and bits, argue with evidence why digital signals are more reliable, and connect the energy a wave carries to its amplitude.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 115 minutes
  • Waves and technology check: 12 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, type a fraction, plot points, highlight a text and match pairs
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What learners will discover

  • Use a wave model of light to explain reflection (angle of incidence equals angle of reflection), refraction (bending when light changes speed), absorption and transmission, including why objects appear coloured.
  • Order the electromagnetic spectrum by wavelength, frequency and energy, match its regions to uses and hazards, and calculate wavelength or frequency with c = fλ.
  • Explain how an analog signal is digitised (sampling rate, bits and levels) and argue with evidence why digital signals are a more reliable way to store and transmit information.
  • Relate the energy a wave carries to its amplitude, and explain why amplitude changes the energy but not the speed of a wave.

Lessons

  1. Light as a wave: reflection 8 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Refraction, absorption and colour 8 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  3. The electromagnetic spectrum 8 steps5 practiceabout 24 min
  4. Digitising signals 9 steps5 practiceabout 24 min
  5. Wave energy and amplitude 8 steps5 practiceabout 21 min
  6. Waves and technology check 12 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.
  • River MysterySomething changed the river. Sample sites with a limited budget, follow the evidence and find where the change begins.

More 8th grade science

Guide for grown-ups