Science – Exploring Sound

Year 4 Science - Sound

In Science, Year 4 have been learning about sound. Yesterday, our lesson focused on pitch and how it is different from volume.

To support their understanding, the children made their own pan flutes using tubes of different lengths. They quickly discovered that shorter tubes produced higher-pitched sounds, while longer tubes produced lower-pitched sounds.

As they investigated, the classroom was filled with excited observations. We heard comments such as, "This tube makes a really high sound because it's shorter!", "The longer tube sounds much lower," and "If I blow harder, it gets louder, but the pitch stays the same!" These discussions showed that the children were beginning to understand the difference between pitch (how high or low a sound is) and volume (how loud or quiet a sound is).

The children also experimented with blowing gently and more strongly into their pan flutes. They realised that blowing harder made the sound louder, but it did not change the pitch.

It was wonderful to see the children working collaboratively, testing their ideas, making predictions and explaining their thinking using scientific vocabulary. They thoroughly enjoyed this practical investigation and were proud of the musical instruments they had created!