1st Sound Unit
Lasers!
DHH
Chladni plates!
Vibrations
Click on the different shapes to see how 1st-grade students used SEL, Science, STEAM, and Tech to explore sound in a way unique to our Echo Community!
Steam
The ear
Ear Trumpets
Windward Visit
Volume and Pitch
What is sound?
Instruments
Steam
SEL
Harmonicas
Cup and String
Tech
Chladni Plate
Chladni plates are usually metal plates used to visualize sound vibrations. When fine particles, like sand, are sprinkled on the plate and it is vibrated with a violin bow or speaker, the particles arrange into intricate patterns. Students used a makeshift Chladni plate, made from a bucket and a fine plastic membrane, to study this bizarre phenomenon. They then created scientific sketches of the patterns formed at different pitches!
"Make the sand dance again!"
Harmonicas!
To wrap up their units, first graders followed a written procedure to apply their knowledge of sound by making harmonicas! By using air to vibrate rubber bands between popsicle sticks, students could change the volume and pitch based on how hard they blew.
Eli: "My favorite was the lazer and the harmonica. I liked that the harmonica sounded like a party popper!"
Sound and Emotion
In this lesson,1st grade students were introduced to a variety of sounds and music, ranging from soft, soothing melodies to more energetic rock tunes. After listening to each sound, the students were asked to express their emotions and feelings by creating drawings that reflected their personal responses. This activity not only allowed them to explore and identify their emotions but also gave them the opportunity to creatively represent how different sounds made them feel. By engaging in this exercise, the students practiced recognizing and expressing their emotions in a fun and unique way, while developing a deeper connection to music and sound.
Calming Soundtrack
Rock and roll
Play-Doh Ears!
In science, the students learned about the anatomy of the inner ear! This was a great way for them to learn about each parts function, components gain insight into the experiences of their DHH peers, and explore the many factors that make hearing possible.
"I enjoyed teaching the sound unit as the DHH teacher because I got to share my knowledge with the students! We explored the parts of the ear that make hearing possible, using playdough to model each component. While this is my area of expertise, I also learned alongside the students. The lesson also sparked a meaningful conversation about the DHH peers in the classroom, explaining why they wear hearing devices and how they help with hearing." -Lyric Olivia
Virtual Sound Waves
Technology transforms how we learn about and experience sound, especially in education. Through interactive apps, digital audio analyzers, and virtual simulations, students can visualize and manipulate pitch, volume, and vibrations in real time. Tools like virtual wave simulators make abstract concepts tangible on any device. Educational technology also supports accessibility: real-time transcription software, advanced hearing aids, and augmented reality help Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students engage with sound-based lessons. By combining hands-on exploration with these digital tools, classrooms become more inclusive and dynamic, empowering every learner to experiment, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of how sound works.
For this science lab, students used the Voice Memo app on their iPads to explore how volume affects the height of sound waves.
Lasers!
At the 2024 CA STEAM Symposium in Long Beach, Ryan young, Dr. Patterson, and Jennie Willens showcased this Sound Unit to educators from across California.
Mr. Young created a device that uses the vibrations of our voices to form intricate patterns and shapes with a laser. He then gave this device to the 1st-grade class so they could explore sound visually. Cece: "I liked the lazer because whenever Mr. Young made noise, it went everywhere! It was like wooooooo! It made the number 8!"
Keychains
Students etch the soundwave of their voice saying "Happy Thanksgiving" onto a keychain by first recording their voice and using an oscilloscope or audio software to capture the unique soundwave pattern. This waveform is traced and converted into a digital design, which is sent to a laser cutter. The laser etches the soundwave onto a keychain made of wood, acrylic, or metal, creating a personalized keepsake that visually represents their voice.
Cup and String
To begin their unit, 1st-grade students used cups and strings to explore how sound travels through vibrations. To the right, 1st-grader Thea is shown preparing her mechanism for the experiment!
Here, we can see how students tested different types of string and techniques to observe their impact on the effectiveness of transporting sound!
Windward Orchestra
Middle and High School Students from the Windward orchestra performed for the first-grade class, using instruments like violins, violas, and a flute. It was a great way to wrap up the unit!
Stringed instruments are a perfect way to visualize sound in action. Their different shapes and sizes, along with the manipulation of the strings, come together to create harmonious sound.
Oscilloscopes
Let's See Sound
First graders use an oscilloscope and a microphone to see sound by speaking, clapping, or making different noises into the microphone. The oscilloscope converts the sound waves into a moving visual pattern on the screen, showing how sound vibrations create waves. Louder sounds make taller waves, while quieter sounds make smaller ones. Students can also explore how different voices or pitches create different wave shapes, helping them understand that sound is a type of vibration that travels through the air.
- The louder the sound the bigger the wave
- Wave can be blocked
- Waves can be focused
Ear trumpets
Hearing loss and deafness have existed for a long time. Therefore, humans have created various devices throughout history to either amplify (make sounds louder) or dampen (make sounds softer) sounds.
Engineering Activity
In the science lab, students looked at the various devices from the past, and then created a mechanism of their own to either amplify or dampen noise!
1st Sound Unit
ryoung
Created on February 19, 2025
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Essential Business Proposal
View
Project Roadmap Timeline
View
Step-by-Step Timeline: How to Develop an Idea
View
Artificial Intelligence History Timeline
View
Mobile Phone Call
View
Momentum: Onboarding Escape Game
View
Momentum: Manager Guide
Explore all templates
Transcript
1st Sound Unit
Lasers!
DHH
Chladni plates!
Vibrations
Click on the different shapes to see how 1st-grade students used SEL, Science, STEAM, and Tech to explore sound in a way unique to our Echo Community!
Steam
The ear
Ear Trumpets
Windward Visit
Volume and Pitch
What is sound?
Instruments
Steam
SEL
Harmonicas
Cup and String
Tech
Chladni Plate
Chladni plates are usually metal plates used to visualize sound vibrations. When fine particles, like sand, are sprinkled on the plate and it is vibrated with a violin bow or speaker, the particles arrange into intricate patterns. Students used a makeshift Chladni plate, made from a bucket and a fine plastic membrane, to study this bizarre phenomenon. They then created scientific sketches of the patterns formed at different pitches!
"Make the sand dance again!"
Harmonicas!
To wrap up their units, first graders followed a written procedure to apply their knowledge of sound by making harmonicas! By using air to vibrate rubber bands between popsicle sticks, students could change the volume and pitch based on how hard they blew.
Eli: "My favorite was the lazer and the harmonica. I liked that the harmonica sounded like a party popper!"
Sound and Emotion
In this lesson,1st grade students were introduced to a variety of sounds and music, ranging from soft, soothing melodies to more energetic rock tunes. After listening to each sound, the students were asked to express their emotions and feelings by creating drawings that reflected their personal responses. This activity not only allowed them to explore and identify their emotions but also gave them the opportunity to creatively represent how different sounds made them feel. By engaging in this exercise, the students practiced recognizing and expressing their emotions in a fun and unique way, while developing a deeper connection to music and sound.
Calming Soundtrack
Rock and roll
Play-Doh Ears!
In science, the students learned about the anatomy of the inner ear! This was a great way for them to learn about each parts function, components gain insight into the experiences of their DHH peers, and explore the many factors that make hearing possible.
"I enjoyed teaching the sound unit as the DHH teacher because I got to share my knowledge with the students! We explored the parts of the ear that make hearing possible, using playdough to model each component. While this is my area of expertise, I also learned alongside the students. The lesson also sparked a meaningful conversation about the DHH peers in the classroom, explaining why they wear hearing devices and how they help with hearing." -Lyric Olivia
Virtual Sound Waves
Technology transforms how we learn about and experience sound, especially in education. Through interactive apps, digital audio analyzers, and virtual simulations, students can visualize and manipulate pitch, volume, and vibrations in real time. Tools like virtual wave simulators make abstract concepts tangible on any device. Educational technology also supports accessibility: real-time transcription software, advanced hearing aids, and augmented reality help Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students engage with sound-based lessons. By combining hands-on exploration with these digital tools, classrooms become more inclusive and dynamic, empowering every learner to experiment, collaborate, and deepen their understanding of how sound works.
For this science lab, students used the Voice Memo app on their iPads to explore how volume affects the height of sound waves.
Lasers!
At the 2024 CA STEAM Symposium in Long Beach, Ryan young, Dr. Patterson, and Jennie Willens showcased this Sound Unit to educators from across California.
Mr. Young created a device that uses the vibrations of our voices to form intricate patterns and shapes with a laser. He then gave this device to the 1st-grade class so they could explore sound visually. Cece: "I liked the lazer because whenever Mr. Young made noise, it went everywhere! It was like wooooooo! It made the number 8!"
Keychains
Students etch the soundwave of their voice saying "Happy Thanksgiving" onto a keychain by first recording their voice and using an oscilloscope or audio software to capture the unique soundwave pattern. This waveform is traced and converted into a digital design, which is sent to a laser cutter. The laser etches the soundwave onto a keychain made of wood, acrylic, or metal, creating a personalized keepsake that visually represents their voice.
Cup and String
To begin their unit, 1st-grade students used cups and strings to explore how sound travels through vibrations. To the right, 1st-grader Thea is shown preparing her mechanism for the experiment!
Here, we can see how students tested different types of string and techniques to observe their impact on the effectiveness of transporting sound!
Windward Orchestra
Middle and High School Students from the Windward orchestra performed for the first-grade class, using instruments like violins, violas, and a flute. It was a great way to wrap up the unit!
Stringed instruments are a perfect way to visualize sound in action. Their different shapes and sizes, along with the manipulation of the strings, come together to create harmonious sound.
Oscilloscopes
Let's See Sound
First graders use an oscilloscope and a microphone to see sound by speaking, clapping, or making different noises into the microphone. The oscilloscope converts the sound waves into a moving visual pattern on the screen, showing how sound vibrations create waves. Louder sounds make taller waves, while quieter sounds make smaller ones. Students can also explore how different voices or pitches create different wave shapes, helping them understand that sound is a type of vibration that travels through the air.
Ear trumpets
Hearing loss and deafness have existed for a long time. Therefore, humans have created various devices throughout history to either amplify (make sounds louder) or dampen (make sounds softer) sounds.
Engineering Activity
In the science lab, students looked at the various devices from the past, and then created a mechanism of their own to either amplify or dampen noise!