Decibel Meter - (Brent Shano)

Author

Brent Shano, Medical Magnet Science Teacher, Van Nuys High School

Sensor / Probe

The app is entitled "Decibel 10th." See Image A. The application as it's name suggests records decibel readings. It shows a line graph at the top of the screen showing data read outs that might resemble the imagery of a seismograph. See Image B.

Below the graph there is a gauge that is numbered from 0 to 110 with a line that points to the decibel range recorded. It mirrors a gauge that looks like a speedometer that you would see in older cars. See Image C.

The final visual readout of the application is a digital readout of the "Max" and "Peak" readings. The Max reading records the highest decibel data gathered in the collective data set. The Peak is the average decibel recording in the collective data set. In between those two digital readouts is the current decibel being recorded. It changes extremely quickly as it it constantly updating. Here as I type this information I have it tracking the data of the sound it is gathering and the numbers are jumping from 46 to 53 and everywhere in between as I sit here in my quiet classroom. See Image D.

The microphone needs to be allowed access on your phone / device in order to track the sound that it hears and convert it into a decibel reading. It is a relatively simple app on the surface. With the ability to pause a specific readout and then resume its state of retrieving data, I find it to be very user friendly. I want to clarify that "simple app on the surface" means just that. The complex formulas and algorithms that are required to create such a device and then on top of that make it super easy to use takes a lot of engineering skill. Have fun and always record responsibly.

Sample Investigation

Go around your neighborhood, school, and home and collect decibel recordings from objects that make noise. A list has been provided for you to stay constant with all the data being collected. Compare their decibel readouts with each other and graph them. Be sure to make reference to the chart to see if your exposure to these noises are putting your hearing at risk.

Data to be collected from: