NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Reflection and Refraction

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘The properties of waves’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

The lesson starts with a recap on the use of ripple tanks to observe waves, students will be shown a diagram of a ripple tank (which they would have been introduced to in a previous lesson on waves) and are asked to think > pair > share their ideas about how it works.

On the next slide, a description of how a ripple tank is used to observe waves is provided for students to check their answers. Students will now be told that they will be using a ripple tank to carry out some investigations into reflection and refraction of waves.

Firstly, students will conduct and investigation, in groups, to observe how reflection of waves occur. After conducting the experiment, have a short class discussion about their results and then explain these using the diagram provided in the PowerPoint slides.

Next is a refraction test, students should conduct the experiment as outlined in the lesson. Once complete, have a short discussion about the results and then explain these using the diagram on the board. Students should make a note of their observations from the two ripple tank tests in their books.

Students will now complete a summary sheet where they will add labels to a ripple tank diagram, to demonstrate the equipment used in the experiments and the effect of reflection and refraction of waves. This is a summary of their findings from the investigations they have completed.

Lastly, students will read a comprehension sheet on the interaction of waves with different materials. They will need to answer a set of questions based upon this information sheet, once complete they can assess their work using the answers provided.

Lastly, students can complete a worksheet on the topic of reflection and refraction, they could answer the questions in their books and then use the mark scheme to either self-assess or peer-assess their work.

The plenary task required students to spend a minute talking to the person next to them about what they have learned this lesson.

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated.