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    Home » Early Years Science » Properties of Materials – Muffling Sound

    Properties of Materials – Muffling Sound

    April 28, 2014 By Emma Vanstone 6 Comments

    We’ve talked about properties of materials before when we’ve investigated how waterproof materials are or how strong they are, we’ve even organised different objects by the material they’re made from by looking at the properties of those materials.

    Today we’re going to explore how some materials are better at absorbing sound than others.

    What you need

    A cardboard tube

    Bubble wrap, kitchen towel or anything else you think might absorb sound.

    DSC_0202

    Method

    Place the tube to the ear of a friend and speak ( not too loudly ) into the tube, can they hear what you are saying?

    Try again, but this time fill the tube with the bubble wrap first, try to speak at the same volume you  did before, can they still hear you?

    Do the same thing with all your different materials.

    Can you design a table to record your results? Which material muffles the sound the most?

    DSC_0203

    Things to think about

    Do you know why you need to speak at the same volume each time?

    This is because when we experiment, usually we have one variable ( one condition we change ) and everything else must stay constant to test each variable fairly.

    If you wanted to try speaking at different volumes you’d need to keep the material inside the tube constant.

    Other things to try

    Can you use different length tubes?

    How else can you block sound? What if you cover your ears with your hands? Is it different with your fingers open and closed.

    Great for Key stage 2 

    Obtaining and presenting evidence

    Recording information

    sound experiment

     

    Last Updated on April 7, 2019 by Emma Vanstone

    « Inspiration from Outspiration
    Challenge from National Geographic »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalie PlanetSmartyPants

      May 08, 2014 at 2:03 pm

      I love experiments when you can vary one variable. Of course, in this case it’s technically two unless you are guaranteed to always use the sound of the same volume, for example, a music playing at the same volume. I am featuring this post at After School Round Up this week.

      Reply
      • Emma Vanstone

        May 08, 2014 at 8:44 pm

        Thanks Natalie 🙂 Music is a great idea.

        Reply
    2. stephanie

      May 12, 2014 at 1:31 am

      Very cool! Thanks for sharing at After School!

      Reply
    3. jake

      November 18, 2016 at 7:36 am

      fuck

      Reply
    4. jake

      November 18, 2016 at 7:37 am

      bich

      Reply
    5. jake

      November 18, 2016 at 7:37 am

      bitch

      Reply

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