Sound Vibrations in Solids

8th GradeScience60 min

aligned to Openscied

Learning Objective

I can used evidence from data to argue whether all solid things vibrate when they make sounds, even if I can't see the vibrations.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

5 min

Seeing Sound With Sand | Soundwaves: The Symphony Of Physics | BBC Earth Science

BBC Earth Science

Guided Notes

12 min

Key concepts students will learn:

  • In the experiment, sand is sprinkled on a metal plate to visualize the vibration patterns when sound is produced.

  • The patterns revealed by the sand occur at a natural frequency of the metal plate, which contributes to the overall sound.

  • Each vibrating object has its own combination of natural frequencies, determined by its physical characteristics, forming a unique acoustic signature.

Practice

18 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

Explain how the sand on the metal plate helps us to understand that the plate is vibrating when it makes a sound, even though we can't see the vibrations with our eyes.

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

  • Answer keys for all questions
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Extension activities
  • Printable student handouts

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