Benchmarks and Grade Level Indicators Addressed In Episode and Related Activities:

SCIENCE CONTENT STANDARDS

Waves in the Standards:

Grade 8:

1. Demonstrate waves transfer energy
2. Demonstrate that vibrations in materials may produce waves that spread away from the source in all directions. (e.g. earthquake waves and sounds waves)

Grade 9:

1. Demonstrate that electromagnetic radiation is a form of energy. Recognize that light acts as a wave. Show that visible light is a part of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays)
2. Show how the properties of a wave depend on the properties of the medium through which it travels. Recognize that electromagnetic waves can be propagated without a medium. (This seems to be the first real talk of ‘properties’ and inference of wavelength, speed of propagation. In 5th grade there is some talk of frequency in terms of vibrations and pitches.)
3. Describe how waves can superimpose on one another when propagated in the same medium. Analyze conditions in which waves can bend around cornets, reflect off surfaces, are absorbed by materials they enter, and change direction and speed when entering a different material.

MATHEMATICS CONTENT STANDARDS

Number, Number Sense and Operations 8-10

Data Analysis and Probability 8-10

E. Evaluate the validity of claims and predictions that are based on data by examining the appropriateness of the data collection and analysis.

F. Construct convincing arguments based on analysis of data and interpretation of data.

Grade level indicators – grade 8

9. Construct convincing arguments based on analysis of data and interpretation of graphs.

Science and Mathematics Standards Addressed through Suggested Teacher Interaction with Students:

Science and Technology

Students should recognize that science and technology are interconnected and that using technology involves assessment of the benefits, risks, and costs. Students should build scientific and technological knowledge, as well as the skill required to design and construct devices. In addition, they should develop the processes to solve problems and to understand that problems may be solved in several ways.

Scientific Inquiry

Students develop scientific habits of mind as they use the processes of scientific inquiry to ask valid questions, and to gather and analyze information. They understand how to develop hypotheses and make predictions. They are able to reflect on scientific practices as they develop plans of action to create and evaluate a variety of conclusions. Students are also able to demonstrate the ability to communicate their findings to others.

Scientific Ways of Knowing

Students realize that the current body of scientific knowledge must be based on evidence, be predictive, logical, subject to modification, and limited to the natural world. This includes demonstrating an understanding that scientific knowledge grows and advances as new evidence, is discovered to support or modify existing theories, as well as to encourage the development of new theories. Students are able to reflect on ethical scientific practices and demonstrate an understanding of how the current body of scientific knowledge reflects the historical and cultural contributions of women and men who provide us with a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of the natural world.