Activity: Sound and Volume

Science Clips, (2007). Sound and Hearing. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/scienceclips/ages/5_6/sound_hearing.shtml

I have chosen to look into the elementary science program specifically for grade three. Within the grade-three science curriculum there are five units that are supposed to be covered. These units include the following:
A. Rocks and Minerals
B. Building with a Variety of Materials
C. Testing Materials and Designs
D. Hearing and Sound
E. Animal Life Cycles
(Alberta Government, 2007).
For this assignment I have decided to choose the hearing and sound unit.

My teaching activity would be a brief lecture on sound and vibrations. I would bring in a few different types of instruments and demonstrate the various volume and sounds that can be created when hitting, striking, or plucking an instrument lightly or heavily. I would explain a bit about sound travel and how the vibrations work. I would explain how the sound is louder for the student near the instrument then it would be if a student was out in the hall. I would pass the instruments around or call on volunteers to come demonstrate how the different force expresses a different sound. I would then go to the computer lab and give the students the web address above and get them to apply what they just learned by practicing on this website. As the teacher I would circle the room while they were working to ensure that the class was on task but also to be available for any questions.

After reading through the program of studies I understand that there are several outcomes that are expected but also outcome that I would like to see once this unit was finished.
The general learning outcomes of grade-three science include, being able to investigate through observation, recognize patterns and make predictions, as well as examine a problem and develop a solution.

For the unit on sound and hearing specifically students should understand sound, volume, vibrations, pitch, sound travel, human ears/ animal ears and finally sensitivity. Students should know the nature of sound and how to produce and control it. They should know that sound comes from vibration and that loud sound can damage hearing. Students should also know the process of soundproofing and sound amplifying. For the application part of this unit there are also several steps that the students should know. They should be able to demonstrate various ways of producing sound and also describe how the human ear senses vibrations. Students should be able to compare hearing in humans to hearing in animals as well as describe the changes in hearing as a result of loud noise or aging.

For the ICT learner outcomes the unit would involve Category C2: “Communicating, Inquiring, Decision Making and Problem Solving” as well as C6 where “students will use technology to investigate and/or solve problems.” Lastly Category F6: “Foundational Operations, Knowledge and Concepts” will be used, where students demonstrate a basic understanding of technology, such as using the curser to click on icons.

The lesson I just created covers some of the program of study outcomes that are required by the government of Alberta. The class would learn about volume, some vibrations, pitch, and some sound travel. The students would also get the chance for self-assessment by using the site online to see how much they can remember. They would also be gaining experience and basic understanding of using technology to help them learn. I feel that not only does the integration of technology meet some of the ICT outcomes, but it also is a fun and interactive way of getting the students involved and applying what they know. Plus, the website is a great tool that can be used for practice and self-assessment.
Below are some other sources that teach more about sound and hearing.

Bitesize revision, (2007). Science-Changing sounds. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks2bitesize/science/revision_bites/changing_sounds.shtml

Discovery Education, (2007). The Phenomenon of Sound Waves. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://school.discoveryeducation.com/lessonplans/programs/soundwaves/

National Arts Centre, (2006). The Instrument Lab. Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://www.artsalive.ca/en/mus/instrumentlab/

Teacher Planet, (2006). The Ear and Hearing (series 1). Retrieved September 27, 2007 from: http://www.teacherplanet.com/links/redirect.php?url=http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/InfoToGo/567/567.html