We can compare objects by looking at what is the same about them and what is different.

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

A data logger is an electronic device that monitors and records changes in the environment over time.

The volume of a sound is measured in decibels (dB).

Measuring the volume of sounds

Science

How sounds are made

How vibrations travel

Vibrations and solid materials

Louder and quieter 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

using special equipment to measure the volume.

Scientists compare different sounds accurately by measuring their volume by ...

Monitor and record changes to the environment over time.

What part of a data logger helps us to measure volume?

To monitor the sound to ensure it is at a safe decibel level.

What is the role of a sound engineer at a music concert?

Match each sound to its approximate decibel level.

Sound waves must travel through a {{}} to our ears to be heard.

Sounds travelling through a solid can be heard ...

What vibrates inside our ear to help us to hear sounds?

You can only change the volume of sound on a remote control.

The volume of all sounds can be changed to louder or quieter.

Which of the following statements are true?

Measuring the volume of sounds

Lesson outcome

Content guidance