Mechanical or Electromagnetic?

Eight everyday waves, two bins. Students read each one, from sound and ocean waves to sunlight and radio signals, and decide whether it is a mechanical wave (needs a medium) or an electromagnetic wave (can cross empty space). It is a clean way to lock in the biggest split among real-world waves.

What's Included

• 1 student page: 8 illustrated cards (mechanical / electromagnetic) plus a Sum It Up fill-in with word bank
• 1 teacher key page with the answer and a one-line reason for every card, plus a Big Idea box
• Letter-size PDF, no prep

How It Helps You Teach

• Practices the key test: does the wave need a medium, or can it cross empty space?
• Uses real examples (sound, light, seismic, radio) so the categories become concrete
• The Big Idea box explains why there is no sound in space but light still gets through

Pair It With

Part of a Waves in the Real World set: Reading in Science, this sort, Context Clues, Inferences, and Science in the News. Check out our library for the rest.

Perfect for 6th grade physical science, a science sort or station activity, a waves review, and TEKS 6.8C support. Topics include: mechanical waves, electromagnetic waves, sound, light, radio, seismic, and ocean waves.

Standards: TEKS 6.8C; NGSS DCI PS4.A. Part of the Daily Science series by Workybooks.