Louder and quieter sounds
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare the volume of different sounds and identify loud and quiet sounds.
Key learning points
- Sounds are made when an object vibrates.
- Large vibrations create loud sounds and small vibrations create quiet sounds.
- Volume describes how loud or quiet a sound is.
- The volume of a sound can be changed.
Keywords
Vibrations - A vibration is when an object moves very fast from side–to–side.
Loud - A loud sound is one that is easily heard, such as shouting.
Quiet - A quiet sound is one that is not as easily heard, such as a whisper.
Volume - The volume of a sound is how loud or quiet it is.
Compare - We compare things by looking at what is the same and what is different.
Common misconception
Pupils may only think that larger objects make louder sounds. They may not link the size of vibrations to the volume of sound.
Ensure plenty of opportunities for pupils to strike, tap, blow and shake objects to see how this affects the volume of sound produced.
Teacher tip
The follow–up lesson introduces the idea of measuring the volume of a sound in decibels, so focus on comparing the volumes of sounds subjectively in this lesson. Be aware of any pupils that have hearing difficulties.
Equipment
Access to objects such as a whistle and any musical instruments, including a guitar, would be helpful but not essential.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which body part do we use to hear sounds with?
Q2.Sound must travel through a to be heard.
Q3.In which of the following places can you not hear sounds?
Q4.Sound travelling through a solid can be heard ________ and ________ than when travelling through a liquid.
Q5.When sound reaches our ears, the inside the ear vibrates, allowing us to hear them.
Q6.How does sound travel to a person's ears?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following can happen when an object vibrates?
Q2.Match the following sounds to whether it is considered to be a loud sound or a quiet sound.
loud sound
quiet sound
loud sound
loud sound
quiet sound
Q3.Large vibrations create sounds.
Q4.Small vibrations create sounds.
Q5.Volume describes ...
Q6.Which of the following statements about the volume of a sound is correct?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Louder and quieter sounds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Louder and quieter 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 science lessons from the Introduction to sound unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.