Noise pollution: acceptable decibel levels (non-statutory)
I can compare acceptable decibel levels and classify sounds as noise pollution.
Noise pollution: acceptable decibel levels (non-statutory)
I can compare acceptable decibel levels and classify sounds as noise pollution.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Noise is unwanted or unpleasant sound.
- Noise pollution describes levels of noise in an environment that are unwanted or harmful.
- The volume of sound is measured in decibels (dB).
- Normal conversation is approximately 60 dB.
- A decibel scale can be used to find out if sounds should be classified as noise pollution.
Keywords
Sound - We hear sound with our ears.
Noise - Noise is unpleasant or unwanted sound.
Classify - To classify is to sort objects into groups.
Noise pollution - Noise pollution is when sound becomes extremely unpleasant or unbearable and is a problem.
Decibel - The volume of sound is measured in decibels (dB).
Common misconception
Children may think that any sound is classified as noise, or that only very loud sounds are considered to be noise pollution.
Explain that unpleasant or unwanted sounds are classified as noise. Noise pollution does not have to be loud, it can be an intermittent or continuous quieter noise that becomes a problem.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Noise pollution: acceptable decibel levels (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Noise pollution: acceptable decibel levels (non-statutory), 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.
Equipment
Data logger with a sound sensor, or electronic device with sound sensor app.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which parts of the body do we use to hear sound?
Q2.What is the volume of a sound?
Q3.Which of the following is the correct unit of measurement for the volume of sound?
Q4.The piece of equipment shown in the image contains a sound sensor and can be used to measure and record the volume of a sound. What is it called?
Q5.What does it mean to classify objects?
Q6.What do we call a material that can help to block sound waves from travelling?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following can be classified as noise?
Q2.What unit is the symbol dB used for?
Q3.Put the following sounds in order of increasing volume from the quietest to loudest.
Q4.Which of the following is the approximate volume of normal conversation?
Q5.Levels of noise in an environment that are unwanted or harmful are classified as noise ...
Q6.What can a decibel scale be used for?
