Sound Targeted Grade Level -- 3 Developed by National Science Resource Center Distributed by Carolina Biological Supply Company

Sound Module Overview

In this unit, third-graders investigate the characteristics of sound. They use tuning forks, slide whistles, strings, and other sound-producing objects to explore these characteristics. Students learn that sound is caused by vibrations and explore how sound travels. They learn about the relationship of pitch and volume to the frequency of vibrations. They discover, for example, that they can alter pitch by varying the length or tension of a string. Constructing simple string instruments, they also discover how they can increase the volume of the sound produced by the strings. Students investigate the characteristics of another common sound-producing mechanism--the human larynx--and build model vocal cords from rubber bands. They also learn about the anatomy and functioning of the human ear. They apply what they learn in the unit by designing and building musical instruments or other sound-producing devices.

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Descriptions of the Science and Technology for Children ^tm (STC) units © 1997 National Academy of Sciences. Reproduced with permission from the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), Washington, DC. For more information about the STC ^tm program and other NSRC programs and activities visit the NSRC web site. For information on ordering the STC ^tm curriculum visit the Carolina Biological Supply Company web site.

These module web pages were intitally created by Kay Abbott, Eastwood Elementary, Decatur City Schools, and Carol Mueller, Somerville Road Elementary, Decatur City Schools. Comments, suggestions, questions may be sent to hasp@dcs.edu

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