Year 4 Are Making Sound

​This week, we became scientists as we carried out an exciting investigation all about sound. Our main question was: How are sounds made? By the end of our lesson, we discovered that vibrations are the key to creating sound.

We explored this idea using a range of different objects: rulers, tuning forks, guitar strings and elastic bands. Each activity helped us to see and feel vibrations in action.

First, we used rulers hanging slightly over the edge of a table. When we flicked the end, we heard a sound and could clearly see the ruler vibrating rapidly. We noticed that changing the length of the ruler over the edge changed the sound it made—shorter lengths made higher-pitched sounds, while longer lengths made lower ones.

Next, we experimented with tuning forks. When struck gently and placed near our ears, they produced a clear tone. Some of us even placed the vibrating tuning fork in water and observed splashes, showing just how powerful those tiny vibrations can be.

We also looked at guitar strings. When plucked, the strings vibrated to create sound. We observed that tighter or thinner strings made higher sounds, while looser or thicker strings produced deeper sounds.

Finally, we used elastic bands stretched over containers. By plucking them, we created vibrations and sounds, just like the guitar strings. Again, changing how tight the elastic band was affected the pitch.

Overall, we learned that sound is made when objects vibrate, and these vibrations travel through the air to our ears. It was a fun and hands-on way to understand an important scientific concept, and we loved seeing (and hearing!) science come to life.