Vibrations and solid materials
I can explain how sounds can travel through a solid medium to our ears.
Vibrations and solid materials
I can explain how sounds can travel through a solid medium to our ears.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Sound travels from an object through a medium to our ears.
- Vibrations can be heard when travelling through some solids, such as taut string and cups.
- Scientists use results to make simple conclusions and raise further questions.
- Vibrations travel through a solid medium more quickly. We can hear these sounds louder and more clearly.
Keywords
Vibrations - Vibrations are when an object moves very fast from side to side.
Medium - Vibrations need a medium to travel, such as a solid, liquid or gas.
Solid - A solid is something that holds its shape and is not a liquid or a gas.
Taut - Taut means to be stretched firmly or tightly.
Conclusion - In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.
Common misconception
Children often think that sounds will be quieter and more muffled when travelling through a solid medium.
It is important for children to try string telephones out for themselves to hear how sounds can be louder and clearer travelling through a solid medium.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Vibrations and solid materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Vibrations and solid materials, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to sound unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
String, scissors, cups with holes pre-cut.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
spoon
shampoo
steam
Exit quiz
6 Questions
