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This unit reviews mechanical waves through experiments with a NetLogo model that simulates a sound wave traveling through a medium. The model allows students to choose different spring constants, corresponding to different materials made up of stronger/weaker bonds between particles. The model allows students to observe the movement of the wave, graph the position of the wave’s peak over time, and measure the wave’s velocity. Students will learn how computer models are built and used as testbeds to run simulation experiments. They will also explore practices of professional practitioners in computational physics.
Students will interpret the code in the model and then compare it with what they know about those processes in the natural world. They will argue from evidence using the Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER) framework to assess the validity of the model. Finally, students will modify the model to match their understanding of processes and/or answer new questions.
Resources available:
- Student materials in Google Documents
- Teacher guide in PDF with pacing guide and standards
- Teacher workbook with answer keys