Physics of Sound
Investigation 1
Part 2
Drop Codes
Students send messages to each other by dropping objects, using a sound code they create.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Properties of Substances: Use properties to sort natural and manufactured materials and objects, for example, size, weight, shape, color, texture, and hardness. (PC01 1.1.1)
We can use different sounds to create a communication code.
Sounds can convey information.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
Students will need the materials to assemble the drop chambers and a bag of drop items. Student Sheet No. 2 , the Sorting Mat, helps students keep their objects sorted and organized by code letters.
Student Management:
Student management for this investigation will be very similar to that in Part One. It may be a good idea to review your class attention signal and repeat the expectations for communicating without speaking. The code will help reinforce the idea.
Be sure to post the word “STREAM” in the front of the room so everyone will be able to glance quickly to check for the letters they are allowed to use in their codes.
Insist that students begin with words. Many students become confused if they try to communicate in sentences. If some partners complete words they can be further challenged by continuing on to create sentences as other teams finish their words.
Sound Discrimination:
There are certain sounds that are more difficult to identify than others. Not all people hear all frequencies with equal clarity. Students may wish to share items that cause them more difficulty than others.
Writing Support:
Use Student Sheet No. 3 called Dropping In. This will be very helpful for assessing student learning in Part 1 and Part 2 of this Investigation.