A vibration is when an object moves very fast from side–to–side.

A loud sound is one that is easily heard, such as shouting.

A quiet sound is one that is not as easily heard, such as a whisper.

The volume of a sound is how loud or quiet it is.

We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.

Louder and quieter sounds

Science

How sounds are made

How vibrations travel

Vibrations and solid materials

Measuring the volume of sounds

Sound insulation

Noise pollution (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Distance from sounds: plan

Distance from sounds: do and review

Higher and lower sounds

Changing the pitch of sounds

Musical instruments and pitch

In this Introduction to sound unit, pupils learn that sounds are made by vibrations and that vibrations travel through a medium to the ear. In the Sound, light and vision unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn more about how sound waves travel through different types of medium and are absorbed and reflected.

Pupils will draw upon exploration of making and listening to different sounds in EYFS and their own everyday experiences. In this Introduction to sound unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify how sounds are made, associating some of them with something vibrating

This unit explores how sounds are made through vibrations, how they travel through mediums, and how pitch and volume relate to vibration strength. It also covers why sounds get fainter with distance. The emphasis is on practical enquiries, observations, and using results to draw conclusions.

Introduction to sound

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Activity that requires collection of items from an area (room, building).

Which of the following can happen when an object vibrates?

Match the following sounds to whether it is considered to be a loud sound or a quiet sound.

The volume of a sound can never be changed.

A low volume sound can never be made higher.

A high volume sound can never be made lower.

Which of the following statements about the volume of a sound is correct?

Which body part do we use to hear sounds with?

Sound must travel through a {{}} to be heard.

In which of the following places can you **not** hear sounds?

Sound travelling through a solid can be heard ________ and ________ than when travelling through a liquid.

When sound reaches our ears, the {{}} inside the ear vibrates, allowing us to hear them.

Sound travels like a laser beam to the person who hears the sound.

Sound travels in waves, like ripples in water, in all directions.

Sound does not travel, it stays in the object.

How does sound travel to a person's ears?

Louder and quieter sounds

Lesson outcome

Content guidance