Ocean Waves - Task B
Lesson
Alignment and Connections of Task Components to the Standards Bundle Task Component B asks students to analyze a plotted dataset relating wave height to the amount of sediment carried by the wave, to consider different equations that model the relationship between the two components, and then to qualitatively relate that relationship to the known relationship between wave height and wave energy. This partially addresses parts of the NGSS core idea of PS4.A: Wave Properties as it relates to MS-PS4-1, parts of the practices of Analyzing and Interpreting Data and Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions, and the crosscutting concept of Energy and Matter, and fully addresses one part (bullet) of the NGSS practice Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking and crosscutting concept of Patterns, as they relate to MS-PS4-1. By drawing a trend line, deriving an equation that models the relationship between sediment carried and wave height, and comparing classmates’ trend lines, students are partially addressing CCSS-M content standards 8.F.3, 8.F.5, 8.SP.1, 8.SP.3. Students can also demonstrate their understanding of CCSS-M 8.F.2, 8.F.4, 8.SP.2, and the CCSS-M practices of MP.1, and MP.4. By choosing and evaluating a trend line and equation to model the relationship between the data components, the students are using the math to enhance the assessment of the relationship between wave amplitude and energy, while the dataset provides a realistic context in which an interpretation of the fit of the data is essential part of mathematically modeling the data effectively. As students make comparisons, cite similarities and differences, and describe relationships in Task Component B, they are addressing W.8.2, W.8.2.b, WHST.6-8.2, and WHST.6-8.2b, writing to inform or explain.