Light and Sound
Understanding Matter and Sound
Light Keywords
Sound Keywords
Overview
Fundamental Concepts
Energy
Big Ideas
When gathering information to make informed choices, students must be encouraged to look beyond their own place in the world and consider the opinions and feelings of others. As they study innovations related to light and sound, students should consider, for example, how their use of personal music players affects those around them. By considering the feelings and well being of others, students will begin to make personal choices that are fair and equitable.
Students will become familiar with the properties of light and sound by investigating and observing how these forms of energy interact with various objects in the environment. Materials can be used to transmit, reflect, or absorb light and sound. By exploring the factors that affect sound and light, students will discover ways in which they can be controlled. Students will begin to apply this knowledge by constructing simple auditory and optical devices and by examining the impact of technologies related to sound and light on our everyday lives, including their use of energy. It is necessary to provide opportunities for students with special education needs to participate in these or comparable activities.
Light and sound are forms of energy with specific properties.
Sound is created by vibrations.
Light is required to see.
Technological innovations involving light and sound have an impact on the environment.
It is important that students be able to identify and demonstrate an understanding of practices that ensure their own personal safety and the safety of others. For example, when conducting experiments with sound and sound-producing devices, students need to know why safe volume levels must be observed. When conducting experiments with light and light-producing devices, students need to know why sunlight reflected from a mirror should be aimed away from people’s eyes and from materials that might be ignited.
