Science into STEM

In the spirit of STEM learning, GCSE groups from years 10 and 11 did two required practical investigations to prepare them for their upcoming exams.

The topic was waves and after using Slinkees to illustrate different types of waves, each group did an investigation into finding the speed of a water wave using a ripple tank.

Thanks to Ben and Freddie for filing the wave generated so that the whole class could slow it down to measure the frequency and wavelength. We were able to pool results and get averages to then calculate wave speed.

Next we used a signal generator to create standing waves in a piece of string, whose wavelengths could be measured using metre sticks and recorded these alongside the frequency of the waves generated. GCSE candidates were able to use of technical equipment and discuss fair-testing and fairness in general.