Pitch is a measure of how high or how low a sound is.

A pattern is a series of data that repeats in a recognisable way.

To affect something or someone is to change it or how it behaves.

The results of a test or enquiry is what happened or what was found out.

Vibrating is when an object moves very fast from side to side.

Changing the pitch of sounds

Science

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

Scientists look for {{}} in results to tell them how one thing affects another thing.

What happens to the pitch of a straw if you cut it shorter and blow over the top?

What is the unit of measurement for pitch?

A flute can only produced low pitched sounds.

The sound made by a squeaky door does not have a pitch.

They are near the sound so they just hear it.

Our ear drum vibrates allowing us to hear sounds.

Our ear lobes vibrate so that we can hear sounds.

We carry the sounds attached to our ears.

Sounds push through tiny holes in different mediums.

How do sounds travel through different mediums such as liquids, solids and gases?

It can help to monitor how loud an environment is and make it safer.

It can help people to learn to measure in decibels.

It can help people to know what different sounds are.

How can using a sound sensor help people to understand noise pollution?

The {{}} away a sound is, the quieter it will be heard.

Which of the following materials are good sound insulators for a bedroom?

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz