Name Date

Activity Page 1.1 (Page 1 of 3) Use with Lesson 1.

Making and Using a Wave Tank

Materials (1 per group):
• plastic bin about 5 to 7 inches deep
• black marker
• ruler
• cardboard or plastic panels, about 3 x 4 inches or based on the size of the bin
• a small object that floats
A wave tank is a way to study energy waves as they pass through water.
Using the materials above, you will turn a plastic bin into a wave tank.
Add a grid to help you measure any waves you create.

1. Use the ruler and black marker to measure and mark each inch from the bottom of the container
up. The inches should be labeled beginning with 1 at the bottom and the highest number at the
top. See the grid below for an example.
2. Then measure and mark each inch from the left side of the bin to the right, beginning with 1.
See the grid below for an example.

3. Fill the bin with water up to about 2 or 3 inches. Place the bin on a hard, flat surface.
4. Place the object in the water near the center of the bin.
5. Predict. What will happen to the object when you move your panel in the water?

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6. Place the panel in the water flat against one end of the bin. Holding the panel’s bottom in one
place against the bottom of the bin, tilt the top of panel forward and back. Then do it again two
more times, each time increasing the strength you use to create the wave.
What happened to the object each time? What happened with the water?
Measure and record the results in the table below.

Movement of panel Results (What happened to the . . . ?)

Gently Object:

Water:

Harder Object:

Water:

Hardest Object:

Water:

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7. Was your prediction correct? Use the evidence you collected from your grid measurements to
explain your answer.

8. What happened to the water when you transferred more energy to it? Explain your answer.

9. How is what you saw in the water tank like what you saw with the rope?

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