MODULE: Sound

Module Overview
Route through the module

Memo

Investigating Sound

Data Analysis

Research
Activity

Answers to questions

Additional
Testing

Poster and Podcast Creation

An understanding of the properties of sound,

mechanical nature of sound, how sounds
travel a long distance, what noise is, the
causes of deafness, and the limitations of
hearing aids

Answers to questions
Direct observation of a sound
wave emulated by a Slinky
Empirical testing of the sound
absorbency of selected
materials

Completed advertising posters/billboards

and podcasts

2. Introduction
In this module, the students take on the role of team members of a marketing consultancy. The
aim of the consultancy teams is to help develop an understanding of public health awareness
issues related to unwanted sounds and noises that can damage hearing. Hearing loss due to
exposure to loud noises is a real problem and represents a considerable number of people with
the disability of deafness. The team is responsible for communicating this message to the public
by both poster and a podcast. What is important is that the teams should use good science
messages in their podcast and advertising poster/billboard campaigns.
The teams will explore sound through experimental work, data handling exercises and guided
research to develop their ideas.

Students are equipped with a range of supportive briefing materials to help them achieve their
aims. Having explored different aspects of sound, the teams construct their podcasts and
posters, then share these with their peers.
Period 1 Students are briefed with a memo about their challenge. They are provided with
briefing materials; they will plan according to what they already know about and also consider
what they need to know more about.
Period 2 Using calculators and constructing a variety of tables, students complete a range of
data analysis activities based on interpreting various aspects of sound measurements.
Periods 3 and 4 Using tuning forks, a Slinky and a sound level meter, students explore the
properties of sound.
Periods 5 and 6 The students develop and share their own campaign messages.

Topic
Sound

Form
Form2

Time required
6 periods

Curriculum Links
Curriculum links: content
Curriculum links: skills

Curriculum links: attitude

Theme: Management and continuity of life

1.8 Understanding sound and hearing.
Observing
Classifying
Interpreting data
Defining operationally
Communicating
Being diligent and persevering
Appreciating the contribution of science and
technology
Having critical and analytical thinking
Being flexible and open-minded
Being systematic
Being cooperative
Being fair and just
Being confident and independent

Learning Resources

Teaching Guide

Prezi presentation

PowerPoint presentation

Activity Sheet 1.1: Context

Activity Sheet 1.2: Sound Information resources

Activity Sheet 1.3: Data handling activities

Activity Sheet 1.4: Investigating Sound Waves

Activity Sheet 1.5: Making an impact 1 - Making an Advertisement

Activity Sheet 1.6: Making an impact 2 - Making a Podcast

Activity Sheet 1.7 The Challenge Planning

PISA links
Scientific Competencies

Explain phenomena scientifically

Evaluate and design scientific enquiry

Interpret data and evidence scientifically

Scientific Knowledge

Content Knowledge
oo Physical systems

Procedural Knowledge

Epistemic Knowledge

Out of school learning

Noise levels in our immediate environment/perception of noise in the environment. An activity to
help students think about what constitutes noise in their society and to encourage them to make
a qualitative assessment of their locality.