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

Vibrations need a medium to travel, such as a solid, liquid or gas.

A diagram is a simplified drawing of information.

Vibrations travel in sound waves which spread out in all directions.

How vibrations travel

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

Our eardrums {{}} to allow us to hear sounds.

we can draw a diagram of sound waves in the air.

Vibrations create sound waves which travel to our ears. How can we explain what sound waves are to other people?

There is no air in outer space for sound waves to travel through.

An astronaut's helmet blocks out the sound waves.

Why can sound not be heard in outer space?

We can sometimes see their effect on something.

How do we know vibrations exist if we can't see them?

How do sounds travel through different mediums?

Which of the following are examples of a gas?

Which of the following are examples of a liquid?

What part of the body do we use to hear with?

Which of the following ways can we make a sound?

Starter Quiz