Besides being a great toy, a slinky is an excellent device for studying waves. Join Professor Pipette and Petri as they use it to describe two types of waves — transverse waves and longitudinal waves. In longitudinal waves, particles move parallel to the direction of the travelling wave, whereas in transverse waves, particles move perpendicularly to the direction in which the wave is travelling. We experience waves all the time. For instance, sound and light travel in the form of waves.
The video satisfies the 4-PS4-1 requirement of fourth-grade science proficiency.
Students who demonstrate understanding can: 4-PS4-1. Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.
