Measuring the volume of sounds
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a data logger to take accurate measurements to compare the volume of sounds.
Key learning points
- We can compare different sounds by measuring their volume.
- Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
- The volume of a sound in decibels (dB) can be measured using a data logger.
- Scientists and engineers take accurate measurements to compare and control the volume of sounds.
Keywords
Compare - We can compare objects by looking at what is the same about them and what is different.
Sounds - We hear sounds with our ears.
Volume - The volume of a sound is how loud or quiet the sound is.
Data logger - A data logger is an electronic device that monitors and records changes in the environment over time.
Decibels - The volume of a sound is measured in decibels (dB).
Common misconception
Pupils may think that volume of sound cannot be measured, as they may not have encountered equipment or the units of measurement for doing so.
Allow opportunities to measure the volume of a range of everyday sounds so that pupils become familiar with decibel levels.
Teacher tip
If you do not have a data logger, there are plenty of free sound meter apps that can be downloaded onto electronic devices and used in a similar way to 'snapshot' the volume of sound created by different objects and in different locations.
Equipment
Data logger with sound sensor and/or electronic device with sound meter app.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Sound waves must travel through a to our ears to be heard.
Q2.Sounds travelling through a solid can be heard ...
Q3.What vibrates inside our ear to help us to hear sounds?
Q4.Large vibrations create sounds.
Q5.Small vibrations cause sounds.
Q6.Which of the following statements are true?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Scientists compare different sounds accurately by measuring their volume by ...
Q2.What do data loggers do?
Q3.The volume of sound is measured in .
Q4.What part of a data logger helps us to measure volume?
Q5.What is the role of a sound engineer at a music concert?
Q6.Match each sound to its approximate decibel level.
60 decibels
80 decibels
30 decibels
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Measuring the volume of sounds, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Measuring the volume of 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.