C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Waves, Light & Sound·conceptual

Sound Fading with Distance

Recognise that sounds get fainter as the distance from the sound source increases

Suggested ages 8–9

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Learning journey

Your child is discovering how sound works — understanding that sounds are vibrations that travel through air, water, and solids, and exploring how pitch and volume relate to the strength of these vibrations.

Evidence of understanding

  • State that sound gets quieter as distance from the source increases
  • Describe an observation or investigation demonstrating this pattern
  • Explain that vibrations spread out and get weaker as they travel further from the source

Assessment prompt

Can Sound Fading with Distance explain why a friend's voice gets harder to hear the further away they walk?

Standards alignment

Y4.Sci.Snd.5GB · uk-nc-2013

Sound fading over distance

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2