This topic focuses on the production of sound and on observing, exploring, describing and comparing the properties of objects and materials with which the student is familiar.
CONTENT STATEMENT
K.PS.2: Some objects and materials can be made to vibrate to produce sound. Sound is produced by touching, blowing or tapping objects. The sounds that are produced vary
depending on the properties of objects. Sound is produced when objects vibrate.
CONTENT ELABORATION
Kindergarten Concepts
Sound can be made in many ways. Objects like cymbals, the tabletop or drums can be tapped to produce sound. Objects like a rubber band or a guitar string can be plucked to produce sound.
Objects like a bottle or a trumpet can be blown into to produce sound. A wide variety of sounds can be made with the same object (e.g., a plastic bottle could be tapped or blown into). The connection between sound energy and the vibration of an object must be made.
Vibrations can be made visible as water splashes when a cymbal or triangle is placed in water or when rice vibrates on the top of a banging drum. The concepts of pitch (low vs. high notes) and volume (loudness) are introduced. Sound needs to be experienced, investigated and explored through observations and experimentation. Standard, virtual and student-constructed instruments can be used to explore sound. Wave descriptions of sound and the propagation of sound energy are not appropriate at this grade level.
Future Application of Concepts
Grades 1-2: Exploring sound provides an experiential basis for the concepts of motion and
energy. A variety of motions is explored. Forces are needed to change the motion of objects.
Grades 3-5: Energy is introduced as something that can make things move or cause change. The
concept of a medium for sound is introduced and disturbances in liquid and solid media are
observed.
Grades 6-8: The wave nature of sound is introduced.