Crest, trough, wavelength, and amplitude are the four terms on this three-page 4th grade science worksheet, linked to NGSS 4-PS4-1. Students read a short definition of each, then match letters A to D on a wave diagram to the right word. In the second section they become the wave maker. They draw one wave with high amplitude, like a giant tsunami, and one with a short wavelength, like tiny ripples in a puddle.
4-PS4-1
“Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move.”
The A to D diagram match and both drawing boxes, where students model high amplitude and short wavelength.
Four definitions set the vocabulary. Amplitude is the height from the resting middle line, and wavelength is the distance from one crest to the next. Students then match letters A, B, C, and D on the diagram to the terms.
Box 1 asks for very tall crests and very deep troughs to show high amplitude. Box 2 asks for crests squeezed close together to show a short wavelength.
Rope demo
Shake a jump rope in big, slow waves and then in small, quick ones before Draw the Waves. Students copy what they saw into the two boxes.
Partner check
Have students swap papers and label the crest and trough on their partner's high-amplitude drawing.
Homework
The drawing tasks need only a pencil. Send the sheet home after your first waves lesson and check that the short-wavelength box shows crests close together.
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