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Physical Science · Light & Sound

Sound & Vibrations: How Sounds Are Made

Tap, pluck, watch, and listen. Notice that vibrating materials move back and forth, can make sound, and can be moved by sound.

Teacher workspace

Start with the lesson plan.

35 min~8 min prep9 materialsNGSS verified · 1-PS4-1

Plan with confidence

Lesson overview

What students will learn

  • I can tell when something is vibrating by watching it move back and forth.
  • I can connect a vibration with the sound I hear.

Key science ideas

  • A vibration is a quick back-and-forth movement.
  • A vibrating material can make sound.
  • When the vibration stops, the sound from that vibration stops.

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade 1
  • 35 min
  • ~8 min prep
  • 1-PS4-1
  • 9 materials

What’s included

  • Lesson Plan
  • Investigation
  • Teacher Slides
  • Printable Worksheet
  • Teacher Answer Key
  • Interactive Activity
  • Vocabulary