This is a lesson which meets specification points within the WJEC GCSE ‘The Sciences’ Double Award (2026) spec, specifically from Unit 3.4 - Waves (Physics).

The lesson starts with an overview of the key vocabulary which students will be learning and using this lesson. Students can stick their key word lists into their books before the lesson begins.

The lesson begins with a recap on transverse and longitudinal waves, students will complete a worksheet on the topic and then mark their work using the mark scheme provided.

Next, students are introduced to the properties of waves - including amplitude, frequency and wavelength. Students will then be shown a video on the topic, and will need to answer a set of questions whilst watching. The answers to this task are included for students to check their answers. A progress check ‘copy and complee’ task will then be presented, for students to complete in their books.

The next part of the lesson focuses on wave speed, students are shown a diagram which demonstrates the principles of wave speed and how we calculate this. Students will then be given a set of questions to complete, using the same calculation. They can complete this in their books, showing all their working. The answers to this task are included on the next slide, for students to assess their work.

Students will now complete their own investigation , to measure the speed of sound in air. They will be given a method sheet, and they can complete this task in the playground/on the field, and record their observations in their books.

The last task is a worksheet of questions on the topic of the properties of waves. Students can complete in their books, and a mark scheme is available for students to either peer-assess or self-assess their work.

In the last part of the lesson, students are taught about two different types of graphs which can be used to represent transverse waves - displacement-time graphs, and displacement-distance graphs.

The plenary task is an exit card, students are to write down all they have learned about amplitude, frequency, wavelength and wave speed.

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know at swyftresources@gmail.com and any feedback would be appreciated.