6th Grade Science

Investigating forces, energy, and Earth's place in the universe.

Advanced Topics

Waves and Their Applications

What Are Waves?

Waves are ways energy moves from one place to another. Some waves, like sound, need something to travel through. Others, like light, can move through empty space!

Types of Waves

  • Sound Waves: Move through air so we can hear music or voices.
  • Light Waves: Let us see and travel through space from the Sun to Earth.
  • Water Waves: Move through lakes and oceans.

How We Use Waves

We use waves for communication, seeing, hearing, and even cooking (microwaves).

Real-World Connections

  • Radios and cell phones send and receive signals using waves.
  • Light waves from the Sun help plants grow.

Examples

  • You hear thunder because sound waves travel through the air.

  • Microwaves heat food quickly in the kitchen.

In a Nutshell

Waves carry energy and information all around us.