| PHYSICS
OF SOUND MODULE MATRIX |
 |
SYNOPSIS |
SCIENCE
CONTENT |
THINKING
PROCESSES |
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1. |
DROPPING
IN
|
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Students
explore their ability to discriminate between sounds, by dropping
objects into a drop chamber and identifying each object by the
property of its sound. They develop a code by assigning letters
to objects and send messages to one another by using their drop
code. |
•
Objects can be identified by the sounds they make when dropped.
• Sounds have identifiable characteristics.
• Sounds can convey information.
• Sound is caused by vibrations.
• A sound source is an object that is vibrating.
• A sound receiver detects sound vibrations. |
•
Observe sounds made by objects when dropped.
• Communicate with others using a code.
• Compare sounds to develop discrimination. |
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2. |
GOOD
VIBRATIONS |
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Students
explore sound generators and musical instruments in miniactivities
to find out what causes sound and what changes the pitch. They
investigate variables that affect changes in pitch: the length
of vibrating objects and the tension on vibrating strings. |
•
Sound originates from vibrating sources.
• Pitch is how high or low a sound is.
• Differences in pitch are caused by differences in the
rate at which objects vibrate.
• Several variables affect pitch, including size (length)
and tension of the source material. |
•
Observe that sound originates from a vibrating source.
• Compare high-, low-, and medium- pitched sounds.
• Record observations on sound.
• Relate the pitch of a sound to the physical properties
of the sound source. |
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3. |
HOW
SOUND TRAVELS |
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Students
work in collaborative groups on miniactivities that introduce
a sound source and a medium of sound travel. They observe and
compare how sound travels through solids, water, and air. |
•
Sound travels through solids, water, and air.
• Sound vibrations need a medium to travel.
• Sound that is directed travels better through air.
• Our outer ears are designed to receive, focus, and amplify
sounds. |
•
Observe that sound travels through solids, water, and air.
• Compare how sound travels through different mediums.
• Record observations on sound. |
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4. |
SOUND
CHALLENGES |
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Students
investigate the nature of our sound receivers, ears. They are
challenged to put their knowledge of sound sources, sound travel,
and sound receivers to work. They take one of the instruments
they used earlier and chang its pitch, make its sound travel
farther, or make it louder. |
•
Several variables affect pitch, including size (length), tension,
and thickness of the source material.
• Sound can be directed through air, water, or solids
to the sound receivers.
• The medium that sound passes through affects its volume
and the distance at which it can be heard. |
•
Observe that the outer ear is designed to receive sounds.
• Compare different ways of amplifying sounds and making
them travel longer distances.
• Record observations of how sound travels.
• Report findings in a class presentation. |
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