Exploring Sound and Volume

Charlotte is playing a drum. What causes the sound to be made when she hits the drum?

• Light shining on an object

• Vibrating matter

• Water flowing

• Air standing still

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following is an example of a loud sound used in everyday life?

• A fire alarm

• A whisper

• Turning a page in a book

• Dropping a feather

What happens to matter when it makes a sound?

• It changes color

• It vibrates

• It disappears

• It freezes

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Imagine you are in a school and need to get everyone’s attention quickly. Which sound would be most appropriate to use?

• Whispering

• Fire alarm

• Tapping a pencil

• Closing a book

If you tap a glass with a spoon, what causes the sound you hear?

• The glass changing color

• The glass vibrating

• The spoon melting

• The air freezing

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Why is a whisper used in a classroom instead of shouting?

• Because whispers are louder

• Because whispers are quieter and do not disturb others

• Because whispers are faster

• Because whispers are more colorful

Mason is playing a drum and wants to make a louder sound. What should he do?

• Tap it softly

• Hit it harder

• Cover it with a blanket

• Put it in water

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

How does the level of sound from a fire alarm help people in a building?

• It helps people sleep

• It warns people to leave quickly

• It makes people whisper

• It helps people read

Imagine you are in a classroom and someone drops a book on the floor. Explain how the sound is made and what might affect how loud it is.

• The book makes sound because it vibrates when it hits the floor; the louder sound happens if the book is heavier or dropped from higher up.

• The book makes sound because it changes color; the louder sound happens if the book is smaller.

• The book makes sound because it freezes; the louder sound happens if the book is lighter.

• The book makes sound because it floats; the louder sound happens if the book is wet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

A teacher wants to get the class’s attention without startling anyone. Should the teacher use a loud bell, a soft chime, or whisper? Explain your choice.

• Use a loud bell because it is the quietest and will not startle anyone.

• Use a soft chime because it is gentle and will get attention without startling.

• Use a whisper because it is the loudest and will get attention.

• Use a loud bell because it is gentle and will not startle anyone.