Sound insulation
I can investigate which materials are good sound insulators and describe how these are used in everyday life.
Sound insulation
I can investigate which materials are good sound insulators and describe how these are used in everyday life.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some materials do not allow sound to pass through them easily. They are better at absorbing sound.
- Materials that are better at absorbing sound waves are called sound insulators.
- Scientists carry out investigations to find out which materials are good sound insulators.
- Sound insulators are often soft materials with empty spaces in them, so sound does not pass through them easily.
- Scientists and engineers use their knowledge of sound to design rooms and buildings to reduce the volume of sound.
Keywords
Sound - We hear sound with our ears.
Materials - Materials are the things that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
Absorb - Absorb means to soak up or take in.
Sound insulator - A sound insulator does not allow sound to pass through it easily.
Volume - The volume of a sound is how loud or quiet the sound is.
Common misconception
Children may think that sound travels through all solid materials in the same way.
The investigation in this lesson allows children to find out for themselves, first-hand, that sound does not travel through all solid materials in the same way and that some materials are better sound insulators than others.
Equipment
See additional materials for further guidance.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
