Focus on Learning

Science & Technology

In Science this term we have been investigating how sound is produced using a variety of different materials. Students build an understanding of how sound moves through inquiry and developing a shared understanding with peers. As students explore a range of materials and the sounds they produce, students connect their understanding of sound vibrations with the discovery that these vibrations can be altered through manipulating materials and the interaction between materials.

In our first experiment, students investigated how sound is created when something vibrates and sends waves of energy (vibration) into our ears. The vibrations travel through the air or another medium (solid, liquid or gas) to the ear. The steps we followed were:

Step 1: Cut the neck of a balloon and stretch it tight over a cup opening so that it is flat (like a drum). 

Step 2: Once the balloon is secure on the cup, sprinkle salt or rice over the top of the balloon.

Step 3: 

Bang a drum above the cup and observe what happens. 

We then made cup phones and tested them to see if the sound vibrations could travel along the string and be amplified in the cup at the other end. The students were shocked at the results...they could hear their partner so clearly!