Physical Science · Waves
Waves: Amplitude, Frequency, Reflection & Absorption
Measure repeating waves, analyze amplitude-energy data, and model reflection, absorption, and transmission at material boundaries.

Lesson plan
Waves: Amplitude, Frequency, Reflection & Absorption
A step-by-step guide to help you teach this lesson.
Plan with confidence
Lesson overview
What students will learn
- Use a standard repeating-wave representation to measure amplitude and wavelength and calculate frequency from cycles and time.
- Use data to relate greater amplitude to greater wave energy for comparable waves.
Key science ideas
- The rest position is the middle reference line.
- Amplitude is measured from rest position to a crest or trough.
- Wavelength is measured between matching points.
Lesson at a glance
- Grade 6
- 55 min
- ~10 min prep
- MS-PS4-1 · MS-PS4-2
- 5 materials
What’s included
- Lesson Plan
- Investigation
- Teacher Slides
- Printable Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key
- Interactive Activity
- Vocabulary