Recording sounds
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can name devices used to listen to and play audio, and create my own audio recording using key features.
Key learning points
- A microphone is an input device used to record sound.
- Audio software can be used to record, edit and playback sound.
- Speakers and headphones are output devices used to play back audio.
Keywords
Microphone - an input device used to record sound
Audio - sound that has been recorded on a digital device
Speaker / headphones - output devices used to play audio
Common misconception
Any digital device can play audio.
In order for a digital device to play audio it needs to have an appropriate output device. These are sometimes in-built in the device but for some devices they may need to be attached separately.
Teacher tip
Supplement the podcast examples with other freely-available resources you have access to. Pupils benefit from hearing a range of different examples to help influence what they will record themselves.
Equipment
Pupils need access to audio editing software and hardware that can be used play and record audio. Examples in this lesson use Audacity https://oak.link/audacity
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What device is used to record sound?
Q2.Which device is used to play back sound?
Q3.What is the main purpose of background music in audio recordings?
Q4.What is a voice-over?
Q5.Which of these is NOT an example of sound editing?
Q6.Match the device to its function:
captures sound
plays sound
processes sound
plays sound privately
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is audio?
Q2.Match the terms to their definitions:
input device used to capture sound
sound recorded on a digital device
output device used to play sound
music added to audio for atmosphere
Q3.What is required for a digital device to play audio?
Q4.What is the purpose of editing audio?
Q5.Which type of software can be used to record and edit audio?
Q6.Put the steps in order for recording audio on Audacity:
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Recording sounds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Recording sounds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Audio production unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.