The plot revolves around a history teacher Mr. Ben Ross, his high school students, and an experiment he conducts in an attempt to teach them what it may have been like living in Third Reich Germany.

He decides to take the experiment further and create a group, The Wave, adding two more slogans—STRENGTH THROUGH COMMUNITY and STRENGTH THROUGH ACTION—which leads to further rules of conduct, a symbol, a salute, and an organizational structure.

Laurie receives a letter for the school paper, of which she is editor in chief, detailing how members try to recruit others with bullying.

That weekend, the football team is unable to win against Clarkstown, as their newfound drive does not compensate for a lack of proper training and planning.

Now united in the belief that The Wave must be stopped, Laurie and David go to Ben's home to convince him to terminate the program.