Sound and Volume - Teacher Explanation

Welcome to lesson 4.16 on Sound and Volume, an engaging module for Year 4 pupils. This lesson focuses on the relationship between the volume of sound and the strength of the vibrations that produce it. From a health and safety perspective, it's important to note that pupils will be crafting their own noise-making devices, requiring precautions to avoid potential hazards such as excessive noise near ears and the risk of slipping on dropped ball bearings. Cross-curricular connections are made with mathematics through the creation of line graphs to represent experimental results, and with Design and Technology (DT), as pupils will design and construct their own ear defenders. The lesson begins with teaching pupils how to measure sound using decibel meters or apps, and involves a variety of experiments to explore the loudness of sounds produced by different objects and materials.

The lesson delves into experiments that investigate the impact of ear size on perceived loudness and the volume of sounds produced by dropping balls from various heights. Pupils will use noisemakers and A3 or A4 paper to create cones, simulating ears of different sizes, and measure the sound captured by these cones using sound meters or apps. Additionally, they will explore the effect of ball size and the surface on which balls land on the volume of the impact. There is also a research activity where pupils use learning pads to investigate the loudness of various scenarios and the necessity of ear defenders in certain occupations. The lesson concludes with a practical activity where pupils apply their findings to construct ear defenders, considering the best materials for both the shell and the packing. This hands-on approach not only reinforces scientific concepts but also encourages problem-solving and creative thinking.