Recently, physics students conducted a series of experiments as a part of a laboratory exercise. The students used a ripple tank to investigate the characteristics of waves (reflection, diffraction, interference) as they passed by various obstructions in the tank. Students were able to vary the properties of the waves (frequency, wavelength, and amplitude) to examine how these various properties affected the behavior of the waves in the tank. This set of experiments was the first step in the overall study of the transmission of energy through waves and provided the students with a foundation for the upcoming study of light and its unique characteristics. Separately, students used tuning forks to investigate the creation of sympathetic resonance.