Ocean Waves - Task D
Lesson
Alignment and Connections of Task Components to the Standards Bundle <br> Task Component D asks students to compare energy data produced from wave energy converters at different wave heights and to use the data to comment on the usefulness of the different wave energy converter designs. <br> Comparing the actual data values in the plots with the theoretical values derived from the mathematical relationship E≈A2, the students partially address the NGSS performance expectation of MS-PS4-1 and parts of the associated crosscutting concept of Patterns and practice of Using Mathematics and Computation Thinking. <br> By describing the usefulness of various designs by comparing the plots and data charts of the energy produced (with different scales of energy and amplitude), students address parts of the NGSS practices of Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions and Analyzing and Interpreting Data and the crosscutting concept of Structure and Function. <br> By comparing the theoretical relationship vs. actual values and by evaluating the fit of the actual data to the E≈A2 relationship, students can demonstrate their understanding of the CCSS-M content standards of 8.F.2 and 8.F.4, and parts of the CCSS-M practice of MP.3 (as the task has no requirement to critique the reasoning of others). <br> As in Task Component D, evaluating the fit of actual data to a model dataset that followed a defined mathematical relationship, the students are using the math to enhance their performance regarding the relationship between wave amplitude and energy while the dataset provides a realistic context in which to evaluate the fit of data to an equation that defines a relationship between variables. <br> As students discuss data and construct explanations based on data in Task Component D, they are partially addressing on W.8.2, W.8.2.b, WHST.6-8.2, and WHST.6-8.2b, writing to inform or explain.