Science KS 3 Unit 8L Sound and hearing

In this unit pupils:

• build on their knowledge of sound and hearing.
• explain how sound travels through media.
• give an explanation of how the ear works, find out about the harmful effects of loud noise and how loud noise can be reduced.

In scientific enquiry pupils:

• decide on a suitable question to investigate and on what type of data to collect.
• identify relevant variables and consider how to control or take account of them.
• evaluate data, considering alternative explanations.
• investigate the loudness of sounds using an appropriate strategy.

Note:
Hearing-impaired pupils can make a valuable contribution to this unit, but will need particular support, eg by visual demonstrations of vibrations when sounds are produced, the use of amplification apparatus or ICT to translate sound into visual information. The work at the end of the unit on hearing impairment can be adapted if there are hearing-impaired pupils in the class, to ensure their contribution is valued by the rest of the class.

This unit is expected to take approximately 8.5 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• musical instruments (actual and illustrations of), eg stringed, wind, percussion
• means of generating, capturing and displaying representations of sound waves, eg tuning forks, signal generator, microphone, loudspeaker, oscilloscope, datalogger, or computer with sound card
• radio or audio tape player
• data about sound levels, eg from the Noise at Work regulations; data about hearing loss in different age groups and accounts of temporary deafness or tinnitus