Vibrations are when an object moves very fast from side to side.

Vibrations need a medium to travel, such as a solid, liquid or gas.

A solid is something that holds its shape and is not a liquid or a gas.

Taut means to be stretched firmly or tightly.

In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

Vibrations and solid materials

Science

In this Introduction to sound unit, pupils learn that sounds are made by vibrations and that vibrations travel through a medium to the ear. In the Sound, light and vision unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn more about how sound waves travel through different types of medium and are absorbed and reflected.

Pupils will draw upon exploration of making and listening to different sounds in EYFS and their own everyday experiences. In this Introduction to sound unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to identify how sounds are made, associating some of them with something vibrating

This unit explores how sounds are made through vibrations, how they travel through mediums, and how pitch and volume relate to vibration strength. It also covers why sounds get fainter with distance. The emphasis is on practical enquiries, observations, and using results to draw conclusions.

Introduction to sound

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

Sound needs to travel from an object through a {{}} to be heard.

You can be further away from your partner.

Why does the string on a string telephone need to be taut?

At the end of the investigation, scientists write a {{}} to explain what the results show.

You can't hear a sound through a solid medium.

Which statement is correct about vibrations travelling through a solid medium?

Solids are bright colours so vibrations can pass through more easily.

Solids are heavy so they make louder sounds.

The parts of solids are arranged so that vibrations pass through quickly.

Which of the following best describes why sounds can be heard clearly and loudly through a solid medium?

Sound waves need to travel through a {{}} in order to reach our ears.

It is too dark in outer space for sound waves to travel.

There is no air so no medium for the sound waves to travel.

They can be heard but no one has tested it yet.

Why can sound not be heard in outer space?

Vibrations travel to the mouth causing vocal cords to vibrate.

Vibrations travel to the ear causing the eardrum to vibrate. 

Vibrations stay in the object and send signals to your ears. 

Which sentence best describes sounds travelling through a liquid medium?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Exploration of objects

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz