Look at the following wave. This is a copy of a real sonar ranger graph. Describe the wave to your partner(s). What changes over time does it represent? How could you reproduce this type of wave using the sonar ranger? Discuss with your partner(s) the needed movement to make this type of wave.

When you are sure of your method, place a flat box in front of the sonar ranger to make a curved wave. Stand approximately 1 meter away from the sonar ranger while your partner directly points the sonar ranger at the box. Move the box back and forth to produce your wave while using sonar ranger software on the computer. Make sure that the sonar ranger software is set to one distance-time graph display. Refer to Technical Hints to run sonar ranger software. Repeat until you capture a curved wave. What motion must you make with the box? Let your partner(s) also try to make the curved wave. Print out the best graph. Refer to Technical Hints to see how to print a graph.

Discuss with your partners how to make taller and shorter curved waves. Test it out!