Physical Science · California Grade 8

MS-PS4-2

Develop and use a model to describe that waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.

Clarification statement: Emphasis is on both light and mechanical waves. Examples of models could include drawings, simulations, and written descriptions.

Assessment boundary: Assessment is limited to qualitative applications pertaining to light and mechanical waves.

Source: California Department of Education, NGSS Preferred Integrated Course Model, Grade 8 (accessed 2026-10-18)

Chapters

Lab 3 and W9 use the idea that materials reflect, absorb or transmit sound to plan and explain noise shields. MS-PS4-2 is a Grade 8 performance expectation in the California integrated sequence; here it is used qualitatively as background and is not assessed.

Worksheets (0)

ChapterWorksheetRoleHow it connects

Labs (1)

ChapterLabRoleHow it connects
Ch. 21Lab 3 · Shield the Frog Listener: A Noise Barrier for a Pond Sensor
Engineering design challenge
supportsStudents use the idea that materials reflect, absorb or transmit sound to plan and explain their shields. This is a Grade 8 performance expectation in the California integrated sequence; here it is used qualitatively as background and is not assessed.