Optional Unit V: Sound

Unit Overview

The study of sound provides tangible applications of wave behaviour. It is an interesting topic to pursue .

Applications of sound, particularly the physics of human hearing, form an essential part of this unit. Students need to be able to know what makes it possible for humans to perceive sound. Interesting extension topics might include considering how other animals perceive sound.

Factors of Scientific Literacy to be Emphasized

• A3 ........holistic
• A7 ........unique
• A9 ........human/culture related

• B2 ........interaction
• B5 ........perception
• B10........cause-effect
• B14........cycle
• B27........amplification
• B30........resonance

• C3 ........observing and describing
• C6 ........questioning
• C9 ........inferring
• C12........interpreting data
• C14........problem solving
• C15........analyzing
• C16........designing experiments
• C20........defining operationally

• D3 ........impact of science and technology
• D4 ........science, technology, and the environment
• D5 ........public understanding gap
• D10........technology controlled by society

• E1 ........using magnifying instruments
• E4 ........using audio visual aids

• F1 ........longing to know and understand
• F2 ........questioning
• F4 ........valuing natural environments

• G1 ........interest
• G2 ........confidence
• G3 ........continuous learner
• G4 ........media preference

Foundational Objectives for Physics and the Common Essential Learnings

In this unit students will increase their abilities to:

Select areas of study, develop learning goals, identify and comply with project tasks, and develop time management skills to meet given time lines.

Investigate the characteristics of sound experimentally .

Appreciate the roles that science and technology play in understanding sound.

Synthesize ideas from a variety of sources.

Identify and clarify key issues.

Make decisions systematically after careful deliberation.

Describe some important applications of sound.

Appreciate that an understanding of the basic principles of physics can be useful in understanding common and practical life experiences.

Use a wide range of possibilities for developing knowledge of the major concepts involved in the understanding of sound. (COM)

Strengthen their understanding within physics through applying knowledge of numbers and their interrelationships. (NUM)

Develop an understanding of how knowledge is obtained, evaluated, refined, and changed within physics. (CCT)

Develop appreciation of the value and limitations of technology within society. (TL)

Support the development of a positive disposition to life-long learning. (IL)