Have you ever wondered why swings go higher when pushed at just the right time? Or how certain notes on a guitar seem to “ring” louder than others? This Parent Q&A sheet is here to help you explain how waves behave in everyday life through the science of resonance and standing waves.

This topic explores what happens when vibrations (tiny movements) match up perfectly and strengthen each other. You’ll discover why it matters in music, buildings, bridges—even your microwave! The answers below are written in simple, easy-to-use language to help you talk things through with your child, no matter their age or science background.

You don’t need to be an expert. I’ve made sure these explanations work at home without needing school-style lessons or fancy equipment. And if you’d like to take it further, we’ve also got a full lesson plan to go along with this Parent Q&A sheet—perfect for diving a bit deeper into the science of waves.