Mississippi Science PHY.4.1

ScienceGrades 9–12Physics

The Standard

Analyze the characteristics and properties of simple harmonic motions, sound, and light.

2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Waves

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students measure the period and amplitude of a mass bouncing on a spring. They read motion and wave graphs to compare sound pitch and loudness, and light color and brightness.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a motion graph, a student finds amplitude, period, and frequency. They use frequency to compare sound pitch and light color, and amplitude to compare sound loudness.
Common Misconceptions: Students often confuse amplitude with frequency, saying a taller sound wave has a higher pitch. They may think a longer wavelength means a higher frequency, or that light needs air to travel as sound does.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Draw a spring-motion graph with 3 cm peaks at 0, 2, and 4 seconds, and two sound waves with peaks 2 or 4 squares apart. Ask for the spring's amplitude and frequency, the higher-pitched sound, and whether red or blue light has higher frequency.

Lesson moves

Hang a washer from a spring, time ten bounces, then measure its greatest distance from rest to find period and amplitude.
Show two sound wave sketches with equal spacing and different heights; ask, "Which changes, pitch or loudness, and why?"
Give pairs of spring graphs; students race to mark amplitude, period, and frequency on mini whiteboards, then check with a partner.
Play 440 Hz and 880 Hz tones, then shine a flashlight through red and blue filters; ask which has higher pitch and higher light frequency.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to PHY.4.1, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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