New
New
Year 4

Measuring the volume of sounds

I can use a data logger to take accurate measurements to compare the volume of sounds.

New
New
Year 4

Measuring the volume of sounds

I can use a data logger to take accurate measurements to compare the volume of sounds.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. We can compare different sounds by measuring their volume.
  2. Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
  3. The volume of a sound in decibels (dB) can be measured using a data logger.
  4. 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.

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Data logger with sound sensor and/or electronic device with sound meter app.

Content guidance

  • Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Sound waves must travel through a to our ears to be heard.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: medium, Medium
Q2.
Sounds travelling through a solid can be heard ...
Correct answer: muffled.
Correct answer: quieter.
Correct answer: louder and clearer.
Q3.
What vibrates inside our ear to help us to hear sounds?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: eardrum
skin
ear canal
Q4.
Large vibrations create sounds.
Correct Answer: loud, Loud, louder
Q5.
Small vibrations cause sounds.
Correct Answer: quiet, Quiet, quieter
Q6.
Which of the following statements are true?
Correct answer: Volume of sound can be changed.
Volume of sound cannot be changed.
You can only change the volume of sound on a remote control.
Correct answer: The volume of all sounds can be changed to louder or quieter.
Q3 File:Anatomy of the Human Ear blank.svg" Chittka L, Brockmann derivative work: M Komorniczak. licensed under CC BY 2.5. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/deed.en

6 Questions

Q1.
Scientists compare different sounds accurately by measuring their volume by ...
using their ears.
Correct answer: using special equipment to measure the volume.
asking someone which sound is louder.
Q2.
What do data loggers do?
An image in a quiz
Change the weather over time.
Control the temperature over time.
Correct answer: Monitor and record changes to the environment over time.
Q3.
The volume of sound is measured in .
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: decibels, dB, Decibels
Q4.
What part of a data logger helps us to measure volume?
the ears
Correct answer: the sound sensor
the microphone
Q5.
What is the role of a sound engineer at a music concert?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: To monitor the sound to ensure it is at a safe decibel level.
To make sure the music is really loud.
To make sure everyone is singing.
Q6.
Match each sound to its approximate decibel level.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:Speaking normally,60 decibels

60 decibels

Correct Answer:Clapping loudly,80 decibels

80 decibels

Correct Answer:Whispering,30 decibels

30 decibels