A travelling bump of energy that rolls through the ocean. Wind pushes the surface and passes the push along, so the wave moves forward while the water moves in little circles. Near the beach, the bottom slows the front and the wave stands up and breaks.

Why it matters: Waves shape shores, move ships, and carry signals for surfers (cowabunga!).

Fun Fact: If you drop a rubber duck in the waves, it bobs up and down; it doesn’t ride all the way to shore with the wave.

Say it like this: WAYVZ

Your turn: Rope Wave! Tie one end of a jump rope to a chair. Give the other end a quick wiggle to send a wave along the rope, and see how the wiggle (energy) travels while the rope stays put.