Waves & Different Materials
Explain how waves can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected by different materials, and apply these interactions to explain colour perception, sight, communication technologies, and the effects of different surfaces on wave behaviour
Share and support
Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
“If your child was wearing a black t-shirt on a sunny day and a friend was wearing white, could they explain using wave interactions why the black shirt gets hotter — and which properties of materials determine how they absorb or reflect radiation?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Explain how waves can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected by different materials, and apply these interactions to explain colour perception, sight, communication technologies, and the effects of different surfaces on wave behaviour
What to notice. Explains the difference between absorption, transmission, and reflection of waves • Uses the three interactions to explain how we see coloured objects • Explains how radio waves, visible light, and infrared are used in different communication technologies • Describes how the properties of a surface (colour, texture, material) determine how it interacts with radiation
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
If your child was wearing a black t-shirt on a sunny day and a friend was wearing white, could they explain using wave interactions why the black shirt gets hotter — and which properties of materials determine how they absorb or reflect radiation?
Explain how waves can be absorbed, transmitted, or reflected by different materials, and apply these interactions to explain colour perception, sight, communication technologies, and the effects of different surfaces on wave behaviour
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
External links for extra practice. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
No additional resources are listed for this topic.
The teaching approach appears above.
Check understanding
- Explains the difference between absorption, transmission, and reflection of waves
- Uses the three interactions to explain how we see coloured objects
- Explains how radio waves, visible light, and infrared are used in different communication technologies
- Describes how the properties of a surface (colour, texture, material) determine how it interacts with radiation
“If your child was wearing a black t-shirt on a sunny day and a friend was wearing white, could they explain using wave interactions why the black shirt gets hotter — and which properties of materials determine how they absorb or reflect radiation?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Waves, Light & Sound
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards