Vibrations are when an object moves very fast from side to side.

How sounds are made

Science

How vibrations travel

Vibrations and solid materials

Louder and quieter sounds

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

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

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

True or false? Sounds are created when an object vibrates.

When a drum and a glass bottle are hit, they will produce ...

A vibration is when an object stays still.

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

A vibration is when an object moves slowly from side to side.

Which of these describes what a vibration is?

If an object is not vibrating, then a sound will not be made.

If an object is not vibrating, then a sound will be made.

The only way to make an object vibrate and make a sound is to hit it.

Which of these statements about vibrations is true?

Match the objects to how it can be made to vibrate.

Vibrations only occur if you shake an object.

Vibrations are produced when an object is completely still.

Vibrations and sounds can be made in many ways such as banging and blowing.

Which statement about making a sound is correct?

Which part of the body do we use to hear sound?

True or false? All objects make the same sound.

Musical instruments can make different sounds.

Which of the statements about sound are true?

Which of the following does not involve making a sound?

How sounds are made

Lesson outcome

Content guidance