Science·Waves, Light & Sound·conceptual
Vibrations & Sound
Understand that vibrating materials can make sound, and that sound can make materials vibrate
Suggested ages 6–9
Learning journey
Your child is investigating light and sound — discovering how we see objects, experimenting with transparent and opaque materials, and learning how vibrations create sound.
Evidence of understanding
- Describe that sounds are made when objects vibrate (move back and forth quickly)
- Give at least three examples of vibrating objects making sound (drum skin, guitar string, voice box)
- Demonstrate that sound can cause objects to vibrate (e.g. rice on a drum jumps when you shout near it)
Assessment prompt
Can Vibrations & Sound pluck a rubber band and explain that the vibrating band makes the sound, and then hold a ruler on a speaker and see it shake from the music?
Standards alignment
1-PS4-1US · ngss-k5
1-PS4-1
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) K-5
Y4.Sci.Snd.1GB · uk-nc-2013
How sounds are made (vibrations)
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2