Sound waves
These hand-picked resources support the teaching of waves and sound at key stage three. The resources describe engaging demonstrations, explain how to use equipment such as oscilloscopes and suggest teaching approaches.
Add this paragraph to the bottom Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.
Wave Machine
Sound waves are longitudinal and this film shows how to make and demonstrate a transverse wave machine - but it’s just too good not to include here! The word “machine” probably gives the wrong impression, this machine is built simply and cheaply from duct tape, kebab sticks and jelly babies. It’s a fantastic introduction to the whole topic of waves showing that, although the wave moves all the way along the machine, the particles (jelly babies in this case) just vibrate. The film provides full details about how to make the machine and I suspect that many teachers, having used it once, will encourage students to help them make it during the lesson. Use it alongside the more usual slinky spring which demonstrates both transverse and longitudinal waves.
Signal Generator
A very helpful film for teachers who want to demonstrate the properties of sound waves but aren’t yet that confident when using a signal generator. This film will help teachers to feel much more relaxed about using this equipment and, having had a practise, using it with a class should be much more straightforward.
You’ll see how to demonstrate that changing the frequency changes the pitch of the sound and how changing the amplitude changes the volume.
For the more adventurous, connecting an oscilloscope can show the same relationships visually.
Oscilloscope
This film is included here because teachers who are keen to use a signal generator in their lessons to demonstrate sound waves (see the resource above) may also appreciate some support in setting up and using an oscilloscope.
Noisy Coat Hangers *suitable for home teaching*
Start collecting wire coat hangers now! This is an experiment that has to be heard to be believed. Students and teachers alike will be amazed just how much louder sounds are when they travel to your ears via a solid rather than (gaseous) air.
Go on to ask students to use particle theory to explain the difference.
Unusually, the instructions for this experiment are available in multiple languages. It would be great to use during a languages week, or maybe you’d like to bring science to a Spanish or French lesson?
Sound 11-14
From the Institute of Physics, this resource provides extensive teacher guidance and suggested classroom activities to support the teaching of describing sound and quantifying and using sound. Experienced teachers may want to turn straight to the teaching approaches whilst those outside their specialist area are likely to appreciate the background information provided by the physics narratives and the key points to bring out when working with students given in the teaching and learning issues.
Physics in concert
This resource is highly recommended. It’s an updated and key stage three version of the “Ashfield Music Festival” which some teachers might have used before. The idea is that students play the roles of sound engineer, lighting engineer and electrical engineer (the sound engineer role is what links it to this topic) when thinking about the physics behind putting on a music festival.
It’s designed to encourage students, particularly girls, to study physics further and experience shows that it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Everything you’ll need is provided here including a powerpoint presentation to talk through with students, teacher notes and accompanying students worksheets. It’s a great project for students to get their teeth into either over a sequence of lessons or in a special off-timetable day.