| Lesson Plan |
| Grade: |
Date: 25/02/2026 |
| Subject: Physics |
| Lesson Topic: Know that for a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation and understand that electromagnetic radiation, water waves and seismic S-waves (secondary) can be modeled as transverse |
Learning Objective/s:
- Describe the relationship between vibration direction and propagation direction for transverse waves.
- Identify examples of transverse waves (electromagnetic radiation, water surface waves, seismic S‑waves) and explain why they are transverse.
- Compare transverse and longitudinal waves using key features such as particle motion and medium requirements.
- Sketch a transverse wave on a rope, labeling the direction of propagation and the direction of particle vibration.
- Explain why seismic S‑waves cannot travel through fluids such as the Earth’s outer core.
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Materials Needed:
- Projector and screen
- Whiteboard and markers
- Printed handout with diagrams of transverse waves
- Rope (≈1 m) and a fixed point for a live demonstration
- Laptop with an interactive wave simulation
- Worksheet for guided practice
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Introduction:
Begin with a short video of water ripples and a flicked rope to capture interest. Ask students what they notice about the motion of the medium compared to the direction the wave travels, linking to prior knowledge of wave basics. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to describe, identify, and model transverse waves.
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Lesson Structure:
- Do‑now (5'): Quick multiple‑choice quiz on wave terminology to activate prior knowledge.
- Mini‑lecture (10'): Define transverse waves, show the rope diagram and the equation y(x,t)=A sin(kx‑ωt), emphasise the 90° relationship.
- Demonstration (8'): Teacher flicks the rope, students observe direction of vibration vs. propagation; label on board.
- Interactive simulation (7'): Students explore an online wave app, switching between transverse and longitudinal modes.
- Guided practice (10'): In pairs, complete worksheet items – identify examples, fill comparison table, and sketch a labelled transverse wave.
- Check for understanding (5'): Whole‑class “exit‑ticket” where each student writes one key difference between transverse and longitudinal waves.
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Conclusion:
Recap the 90° vibration‑propagation rule and the three common transverse wave examples. Collect the exit tickets as a formative assessment and assign a short homework task: students must find a real‑world example of a transverse wave not covered in class and explain why it fits the definition.
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