Science at key stage 3 (Year 8)
Unit 8L: Sound and hearing
Section 3: c. How are different sounds made?
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Objectives |
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- to use appropriate scientific language to describe features of a sound wave
- that sounds with high pitch have a high frequency
- that sounds with a high amplitude are loud
- to relate their results to scientific knowledge and understanding
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Activities |
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Outcomes |
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Children: |
- Extend pupils' ideas about sounds and vibrations using an oscilloscope connected to a signal generator (or a microphone connected to a datalogger) to present a 'picture' of a sound wave. Explain that the wave on the screen is a representation of a sound wave. Introduce and explain the terms 'amplitude' and 'frequency', and relate these to loudness and pitch of a sound by demonstrating how the wave form changes with different sounds. Provide representations of different sound waves and ask pupils to identify,
eg the loudest, lowest.
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- use the terms 'frequency' and 'amplitude' in describing sound waves
- relate high pitch to high frequency and high amplitude to loudness
- compare and interpret wave forms in terms of pitch and loudness
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Points to note |
- A brief account of what is happening in the oscilloscope is all that is needed at this point, if pupils are not to be distracted by the details of the display system. Pupils may use an oscilloscope to study the features (elements) of sounds in unit 3 'Soundscapes' in the music scheme of work.
- A detailed account of the longitudinal nature of sound waves is left until key stage 4. At this stage you will need to make sure that pupils have not gained the erroneous idea that sound waves are transverse. A quick demonstration using a slinky spring might be helpful.
- Extension: show pupils the wave representation produced by different sources of sound,
eg tuning forks, musical instruments, and ask them to identify and try to explain similarities and differences.
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This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
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