What types of materials absorb sound? Learners explore sound waves, the decibel scale, and how different materials affect sound. Then, they use their knowledge of sound meters to complete a STEM engineering design task to build sound-absorbing walls. Finally, pupils evaluate each other's sound meters to determine which materials absorbed sound the best.

Concepts

sound, sound waves, engineering, sound vibrations, acoustics, the decibel scale, reflections, volume

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Extend learning by having scholars test their sound-absorbing walls around the school or at home
• Have groups test each other's designs and offer suggestions for improvement

Classroom Considerations

• Requires materials a typical classroom likely does not have
  

Pros

• Contains many real-life connections to keep it interesting and relevant to students
  
• Incorporates engineering design practices

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.3.1 RI.3.1 W.3.8 L.3.1.a L.3.2.a L.3.6 3.NBT.A.2 3.MD.B.4