Basic concepts of sound and its propagation

Duration: 90 minutes

Grade: VIII and IX

Basic concepts of sound and its propagation

1. Objective: To enable students explore how sound is produced and propagates in material medium.

2. Learning Outcomes: At the end of this module, children will be able to:

• Identify that sounds are produced by vibrations
• Begin to understand that sound requires a medium for propagation and that the propagation of sound varies in different medium.

Activity 1: Chiming spoon:

Through this activity the students arrive at a conclusion that sound is produced by all vibrating materials. This activity is designed with in-activity questions such as what kind of sound is observed before and while the thread is kept inside the ear to elicit the answer. Through this, the students find how materials produce sound.

Activity 2: Sound is produced by vibrating objects:

Through this activity the students arrive at a conclusion that sound is produced by all vibrating materials. To elicit the answer this activityisdesignedwithinquiry-based in-activity questions like how does the sound vary with the protruding length of the ruler

Activity 3: Sound involves propagation of vibrations:

Through this activity the students arrive at a conclusion that sound involves propagation of vibrations. To elicit the answer tShis activity is designed with in-activity such as how and why does the tuning fork move the ball.

Activity 4: Making a Telephone:

Through this activity the students arrive at a conclusion that sound travels through a solid medium and sound requires a medium to propagate. This activity is designed with in-activity multiple-choice questions to elicit the answer. It also provides opportunity to inquire what will happen if one of the connection is cut.

Activity 5: Toy stethoscope:

Through this activity students arrive at a conclusion that demonstrate how sound waves can travel through enclosed spaces. This activity is designed with in-activity multiple-choice questions to elicit the answer.
It also provides opportunity to inquire what will happen if one of the connection is cut.

Activity 6: Which materials transmit sound better?

Through this activity students explain how the propagation of sound varies in different media such as solid, liquid and gas. They inquire based on the density of the material medium being tested.