Light the Lighthouse: How Does a Bigger Wave Carry More Energy?
Sim Lesson
Students use the Light the Lighthouse simulation to raise the wind speed, make bigger waves, and see that larger-amplitude waves carry more energy and light the lighthouse more brightly. Lesson Purpose Students often think a wave carries water forward. Watching the buoy bob in place and the light brighten shows waves transfer energy, and bigger waves carry more.
Ocean waves can rock a boat gently or crash hard against the shore. A floating buoy can turn that motion into electricity. How does the size of a wave change how much energy it carries? In this lesson, you will use the Light the Lighthouse simulation to change the wind, make bigger waves, and power a lighthouse.
Topics and standards: Science, Energy, Natural Resources, Ocean, Environmental Science, Physics, Physical Science, Mechanical Energy, Simulation, MS-PS4-1, Human Impacts, Electricity & Magnetism, Waves, Engineering & Design, Grades 6-8, SC.7.P.11.2, TEKS Science 8.8.A, 8-PS4-1, 3.2.6-8.Q