P Waves and S Waves

Free to teach as-is — the teacher guide, student handout, and slides are included.

Free — we'll email you an access link. Google Docs format.

Objective

I can describe the characteristics of P waves and S waves, including their speed, movement, and the materials they can travel through.

Part 1 of 3

Warm-up video

Unknown Channel · 5:00

We don't generate video — this one is by Unknown Channel on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

9 questions

1

Describe the motion of particles in a material as a P wave passes through it. How does this compare to the motion of particles as an S wave passes through?

2

Explain why P waves are referred to as compressional waves.

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe the type of motion (compressional or shearing) associated with P waves and S waves. Can P waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases? Can S waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases?

Sample answer included in the free materials

Get the materials

Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

  • Student Handout

    Printable worksheet

  • Slides

    Ready to present

We'll ask for your email to send your access link — nothing else.

Teaching a group at a different level?

Where are your students right now? We'll rebuild this lesson to match — including the teacher guide, student handout, and slides, saved to your Google Drive.

Adapt This Lesson