QCA Science unit 5F

“ Changing Sounds”

Composer, “junk” instrument maker and ex-secondary school music teacher Sam Paechter uses springs, fishing line, tuning forks, plastic tubing, metal tubing, slate, a wind-up gramophone, straws, flip-flops, water, an oscilloscope, bits of broom handle and a host of unusual musical instruments to find answers to:

How is sound is made?

What's the difference between high, low, loud and quiet?

What can sound travel through?

What kinds of materials conduct and amplify sounds and which materials insulate and dampen them?

How are sounds produced, amplified and altered in various brass, wind, string and percussion instruments?

Every child is involved in at least one experiment.

Duration:

  • 1 hour 30mins (approx)

Equipment needed:

  • a standard classroom;
  • an overhead projector;
  • a digital projector (optional)

Cost:

  • £95 per class of up to 32.

If you're also following “Musical Instruments”, - QCA Design and Technology unit 5A it's worth considering our Instrument Making demonstration.

What people have said about The Science of Sound

“It’s fun and learning at the same time. This should be an entitlement for every Year 5/6 pupil.”
Phil Robinson - Year 5-6 teacher, Bramham Primary School

“The children thought this was absolutely fantastic! An excellent delivery of both the science and DT curricula.”
Rebecca Ingram – Acting Headteacher, Seacroft Grange Primary School

“Hugely entertaining, scientifically stimulating and excellent value for money - this is a must for all upper Key Stage 2 classes.”
J. Yates - Year 6 teacher, Potternewton Primary School

“That was fantastic! He explained it just the way we understand it.”
Year 5 pupil, Bramham Primary School

“The children participated in fantastic experiments which wouldn’t have been possible in school under normal conditions.”
D. Richardson - Science Co-ordinator, Farsley Springbank Junior School