Sound and Light
Students learn that sound comes from vibrating objects. They explore how to change sound volume and pitch, and develop simple models for how sound travels from a source to a receiver. With light, students also work with sources and receivers. They find out what happens when materials with different properties are placed in a beam of light, and explore how to create and change shadows and reflections. Students explore how to use sound and light devices to communicate information.
Curriculum Map
Unit: Light and Sound
State Standards
1-PS4-1. Demonstrate that vibrating materials can make sound and that sound can make materials vibrate.
1-PS4-3. Conduct an investigation to determine the effect of placing materials that allow light to pass through them, allow only some light through them, block all the light, or redirect light when put in the path of a beam of light.
1-PS4-4. Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to send a signal over a distance.
Essential Questions
What makes sound? (people, animals, nonliving things?)
How can you stop or change sound?
How can you make things vibrate?
How can the path of light change?
How are shadows made?
What makes shadows change?
What role does sound and light play in people’s lives?
How can we send sound/light over a distance?
Why do people send signals over a distance?
How can we improve our designs?
Students will...
Ask questions and defining problems
Developing and use models
Plan and carrying out investigations
Analyze and interpret data
Construct explanations and design solutions
Engage in an argument from evidence
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information