Wave Wonders Slides
Wave Wonders
The Secret Language of the Ocean
Have you ever wondered...
What actually makes a wave move across the ocean? Does the water travel across the world, or is something else happening?
What is a Wave?
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy from one place to another.
Energy = Motion!
The Secret Movement
Ocean waves carry energy, not water! Think of a duck bobbing in the ocean.
Bobbing Up & Down
Energy
Anatomy of a Wave
Just like your body, waves have specific parts we can name.
Crest
Trough
Amplitude
Part 1: The Crest
The Crest is the highest point of a wave.
Think of it as the "mountain peak" of the ocean!
Part 2: The Trough
The Trough is the lowest point of a wave.
Think of it as the "valley" between two hills!
Crest vs. Trough
CREST CREST TROUGH
Part 3: Amplitude
Amplitude is the vertical distance from the rest position to the crest.
Rest Position Amplitude
Amplitude = Energy
Low Amplitude
Calm, Low Energy
High Amplitude
Powerful, High Energy
"The higher the amplitude, the more energy the wave is carrying!"
The Power of Wind
Most ocean waves are caused by wind blowing across the surface.
- Stronger wind = bigger waves
- Longer wind time = bigger waves
- Further wind distance = bigger waves
Extreme Waves
Tsunamis
Unlike wind waves, Tsunamis are caused by underwater energy like earthquakes or volcanoes.
EARTHQUAKE!
Wave Check-Up!
A B C
A = ?
B = ?
C = ?
The Answers!
A Crest
B Trough
C Amplitude
Today's Big Ideas
Energy
Waves move energy, not the actual water particles far distances.
Anatomy
Crests are high, Troughs are low, and Amplitude is the vertical height.
Wind
Wind is the primary engine behind most ocean waves you see at the beach.
Power
A higher amplitude means a wave is packing much more energy!
Your Turn!
Complete the Wave Wonders Worksheet (provided in your workspace) to show your mastery.
Start Worksheet
Wave Wonders Worksheet
Wave Wonders
Student Activity Sheet
Student Name:
Date:
1
Label the Wave
Use the word bank to label parts A, B, and C on the diagram.
Crest
Trough
Amplitude
PART A:
PART B:
PART C:
2
Wave Definitions
1. What is the highest point of an ocean wave called?
2. What is the vertical height from the rest position to the crest?
3. What is the lowest point of an ocean wave called?
© 2026 Wave Wonders Science Unit
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3
Critical Thinking
A giant storm creates waves with a very high amplitude. Does this wave have more or less energy than a small wave? Explain why.
If you were a rubber duck floating on a wave, would the wave carry you across the ocean to the beach? Why or why not?
Bonus Fact Check:
Tsunamis are not caused by wind. Name one underwater event that could cause a tsunami.
Grade 4 Ocean Science • Activity Sheet
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Wave Wonders Quiz
Wave Wonders Quiz
Testing Your Knowledge
Student Name:
Date:
1
Multiple Choice
1. What is a wave primarily transferring from one place to another?
A) Sand
B) Fish
C) Energy
D) Salt
2. Which of these causes most ocean waves you see at the beach?
A) Wind
B) Whales swimming
C) Boats
D) Underwater volcanos
3. High amplitude in a wave means it has:
A) No energy
B) High energy
C) Calm water
D) Low energy
2
Matching Anatomy
Draw a line to match term to description
Crest
Trough
Amplitude
The lowest point of a wave.
Vertical distance from rest position.
The highest point of a wave.
© 2026 Wave Wonders Science Unit
Grade 4 Quiz • Page 1
3
Label and Identify
4. Look at the wave below. Circle the crest and put a square around the trough.
5. What would happen to the amplitude of a wave if the wind stopped blowing completely? Why?
6. Explain why a duck bobbing in the water doesn't get pushed onto the shore by a passing wave.
Bonus Point:
A Tsunami is a very dangerous type of wave. What is the most common cause of a Tsunami?
Grade 4 Ocean Science • Wave Wonders Quiz
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