How sounds are made
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify that sounds are made when something vibrates.
Key learning points
- Sounds are made when an object vibrates.
- If an object is not vibrating, it will not make a sound.
- Different objects produce different sounds.
- Vibrations and sounds can be made in different ways.
Keywords
Sounds - We hear sounds with our ears.
Object - An object is a thing that is not alive.
Vibrations - Vibrations are when an object moves very fast from side to side.
Common misconception
Children often believe that sound can be produced without using any materials.
Ensure opportunities for children to learn about objects vibrating in order to produce sounds.
Teacher tip
Tuning forks can often be found in the school music cupboard. Children can use them to feel the vibrations travelling through the metal fork and also to see the effects of vibrations on the surface of liquid such as water.
Equipment
Access to speakers, small dish of water, tuning fork.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is sound?
Q2.Which part of the body do we use to hear sound?
Q3.True or false? All objects make the same sound.
Q4.Which of the following can make a sound?
Q5.Which of the statements about sound are true?
Q6.Which of the following does not involve making a sound?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Sounds are created when an object vibrates.
Q2.When a drum and a glass bottle are hit, they will produce ...
Q3.Which of these describes what a vibration is?
Q4.Which of these statements about vibrations is true?
Q5.Match the objects to how it can be made to vibrate.
Q6.Which statement about making a sound is correct?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: How sounds are made, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: How sounds are made, 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 science lessons from the Introduction to sound unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.