FOSS Next Generation Sound and Light

Grade 1

The Sound and Light Module provides students with experiences to develop an understanding of how to observe and manipulate sound and light. Students learn that sound comes from vibrating objects. They explore how to change sound volume and pitch, and develop simple models for how sound travels from the source to the receiver. With light, students also work with sources and receivers. They find out what happens when materials with different properties are placed in a beam of light, and explore how to create and change shadows and reflections.

Investigation 1: Sound and Vibrations

Students explore the production of sound with a door fiddle, tuning forks, a tone generator, cups, sticks, and rubber bands. Students look for vibrations at the sound source and come up with words to describe different sounds. As they learn how to discriminate between different kinds of sounds and what information sounds convey, students find out about sounds that different animals make.

Investigation 2: Changing Sounds

Students use simple instruments to investigate how to change the volume of sound and the pitch of sound. Using a spoon gong, students develop a model of how sound travels from a source to a receiver. They redesign the spoon gong to make a device to both send and receive sound. Students learn about sound receivers used by different animals.

Investigation 3: Light and Shadows

Students use flashlights, sunlight, and solid materials that block light to create and change shadows. Students investigate how light interacts with objects that are transparent, translucent, and opaque.

Investigation 4: Light and Mirrors

Students position mirrors to reflect images. They investigate how to direct light to different locations. They experience what they can see when there is no light, and learn that objects can be seen only when light is available. Students explore the shapes and location of eyes on different animals. Finally, they read about devices that use light to communicate information.

Investigate for yourself.