Anchor Lesson - Seeing Sound

The anchor phenomenon for this unit is a music video by composer Nigel Stanford, that showcases a series of devices that make sound waves visible. We will generate observations and questions about the phenomenon and create an initial conceptual model to explain what is happening.

We will be returning back to our observations and questions after each lesson to build off of our learning!

Lesson 1 - How do you send a secret code?

In this lesson, we explored how digital devices encode complex information so that it can be transferred over long distances. In the activity, Secret Snacks, we generated our own codes in order to transfer information across the classroom. Then, we compared their codes and decided which worked best given the circumstances. 

These codes were connected to how sound waves are converted as codes to communicate through phones.

Lesson 2 - How far can a whisper travel?

In this lesson, we learned about the connection between sounds and vibration. In the activity, Paper Cup Telephone, we made telephones using cups and string. Partners then modify the design of their telephones using different types of supplies to see if they can improve the sound quality.

Lesson 3 - What would happen if you screamed in outer space?

In this lesson, we explored the role that air plays in allowing a sound vibration to travel. In the activity, Act Out a Sound, we did two short activities that explore sound vibrations. We experimented with sound to understand how it moves through the air and then consider what would happen in an environment like space where there is no air.

Lesson 4 - Why are some sounds high and some sounds low?

In this lesson, we discovered that sound is a wave. In the activity, Making Waves, we  drew the waves that different sounds make using a virtual oscilloscope, a machine that shows images of sound waves. Then they vibrated a rope to make waves that look like the ones made by the oscilloscope.

Key Learning - wavelength