Editing sound
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use sound editing software to edit and manipulate digital sound files.
Key learning points
- Changes to sound attributes affect the perceived quality.
- Sound editing software can be used to manipulate sound.
Keywords
Waveform - a visual representation of a sound file, showing how the amplitude of sound varies over time
Channel - a single stream of audio used to reproduce sound
Mono - produces the same sound in both left and right speakers/headphones
Stereo - presents sound separately for the left and right speakers/headphones
Common misconception
Audacity project files can be listened to on all digital devices.
To listen to the audio on other devices, the file must be exported to a common format such as WAV (.wav) or MP3 (.mp3).
Teacher tip
Emphasise that saving creates an Audacity project file, .aup3, for future editing, while exporting creates a standard audio file, such as MP3 or WAV, for sharing.
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
File needed for this lesson
count 93.89 KB (MP3)
Download this file to use in the lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the smallest unit of data in a computer system?
Q2.What does resolution affect in an image?
Q3.Match the term with its definition:
Q4.What does the term 'intensity' refer to in digital images?
Q5.What effect does increasing sample resolution have on a sound file?
Q6.Arrange the following in order of increasing file size.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a waveform?
Q2.What does 'mono' mean in audio terms?
Q3.Name the software used to edit and manipulate sound.
Q4.Arrange the following steps for editing a sound file.
Q5.What is the impact of higher sample rate on sound quality?
Q6.Which of the following statements is true about MP3 and WAV files?
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Editing sound, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 computing lesson on: Editing sound, 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.
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Explore more key stage 3 computing lessons from the Data representation: images and sound unit, dive into the full secondary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.