Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Waves: Sound Intensity

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage aims to clearly establish the focus of the lesson, ensuring that students understand what is expected of them to learn and achieve by the end of the session. By defining specific and measurable objectives, students can better direct their efforts and maximize the benefits of the practical lesson. This section serves as a guide for students, directing them on what they need to review and consolidate at home to be prepared for activities in class.

Main Objectives:

1. Describe and explain the concept of sound intensity as the measure of energy transported by a sound wave per unit area in a given timeframe.

2. Enable students to calculate sound intensity using the appropriate mathematical formula and understand how different factors can affect this intensity.

Side Objectives:

1. Encourage the application of theoretical knowledge in practical situations through laboratory experimentation.

Introduction

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The Introduction stage serves to engage students and connect the prior knowledge they have acquired at home with the practice in the classroom. Through problem-based situations, students are challenged to apply theoretical concepts to real scenarios, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding. The contextualization helps show the relevance of studying sound intensity, increasing students' interest and motivation.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine you are at a rock concert and notice that the music is extremely loud. How would you explain the sound intensity of this situation using the definition of transported energy?

2. Think of a normal day when you are in a café and an ambulance siren passes by at high speed outside. How does the sound intensity of the siren compare to the ambient noise of the café, and what is its influence on the perception of sound?

Contextualization

Sound intensity is not just a physical concept, but something that directly affects our daily lives. From the loud music at concerts to the siren of an emergency vehicle, understanding how sound intensity is measured and how it affects our hearing can be crucial for ensuring auditory health. Moreover, the study of sound intensity has practical implications in various fields such as acoustic engineering, medicine, and occupational safety, where proper sound control is essential.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to apply the concepts of sound intensity they studied at home in a practical and interactive way. Through engaging and contextualized activities, they will explore different facets of the topic, developing calculation, analysis, and application skills in various scenarios. This approach not only solidifies theoretical learning but also increases student engagement through problem-based situations that simulate real contexts.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Decibel Concert

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply the concept of sound intensity in practice, understanding how volume control affects auditory experience and auditory health.

- Description: In this activity, students will simulate organizing a small concert where they must control the sound intensity for different audiences. Using a sound wave simulation software, they will be able to adjust the volume of the instruments and observe the changes in measured sound intensity.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group will receive a set of simulated musical instruments in the software.

• Groups will adjust the volumes of each instrument to achieve different levels of sound intensity, measured in decibels.

• Each group will present a musical performance with controlled sound intensity for a simulated audience in the software, which will react differently depending on the volume presented.

• Groups will record the sound intensities used in each situation and justify their choices based on the studied theory.

Activity 2 - Mystery at the Sound Museum

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop calculation skills and practical application of sound intensity in a problem-solving scenario.

- Description: Students will solve a practical problem in a fictional museum, where a historical artifact, an old recorder, is damaged and the sound intensity of its recordings cannot be deciphered correctly. They will use knowledge of sound intensity to calculate and adjust the volume needed to restore the recordings.

- Instructions:

• Organize students into groups of up to 5 people.

• Each group receives a 'file' from the museum, containing information about the recorder and the indecipherable recordings.

• Groups will use a sound intensity measurement app to calculate the volume needed to hear the recordings clearly.

• After the calculations, groups will adjust the volume of the recorder and test their hypotheses.

• Each group will present their findings and methodology used to the rest of the class.

Activity 3 - CineSounds

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore the artistic and creative use of sound intensity and understand its effect on viewer perception.

- Description: In this activity, students will create and present a short film where sound intensity plays a crucial role in the narrative. They will need to use recording and sound editing equipment to control the intensity and sound impact of the film.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group will receive a camera and audio recording equipment.

• Groups will plan and film a short film, using sound intensity creatively to influence the narrative.

• After filming, students will use sound editing software to adjust the sound intensity of different parts of the film.

• Each group will present their short film to the class, explaining how sound intensity was used and its impact on the narrative.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to consolidate the learning acquired by students, allowing them to articulate and reflect on their theoretical and practical knowledge of sound intensity. The discussion in groups helps reinforce understanding of concepts, allowing students to learn from one another and develop critical analysis and communication skills. Additionally, this stage is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of practical activities and deepening students' understanding of the importance and applications of the study of sound intensity.

Group Discussion

To start the group discussion, the teacher can ask each group to share their main findings and experiences during the activities. An effective way to conduct this discussion is to start with a brief recap of the fundamental theoretical concepts, encouraging students to relate these concepts to the observed practices. The teacher should also stimulate students to discuss how variations in sound intensity affect sound perception and auditory health, promoting a healthy and critical debate.

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges when trying to control sound intensity during the activities and how did you overcome them?

2. How would you apply the knowledge gained about sound intensity in everyday situations, such as at concerts or work?

3. Was there any situation during the activities that changed your perception about the importance of controlling sound intensity?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion stage is to consolidate learning, ensuring that students have a clear and solid understanding of the concepts of sound intensity and its applicability. This recap helps students review and reinforce the knowledge acquired, relating it to practical and theoretical situations discussed during the lesson. Furthermore, by highlighting the relevance of the topic, students are encouraged to value and apply their knowledge in their lives and future careers.

Summary

In this final stage, the teacher will summarize the main points covered about sound intensity, reinforcing the definition of energy transported by a sound wave over a timeframe through a specific area. The calculations and variations observed in practical activities will be recapped, highlighting how different volumes affect sound intensity.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson effectively connected theory and practice, allowing students to apply the concepts of sound intensity in simulated and real scenarios. Through experiments with concert simulations and problem-solving in a fictional museum, students were able to see how the studied theory applies in everyday situations and professional contexts such as acoustic engineering and medicine.

Closing

Finally, the teacher will discuss the relevance of sound intensity in daily life, such as in concerts, at work, and in urban environments, emphasizing the importance of proper sound control for auditory health. This reflection will help students understand the real applicability and importance of studying sound intensity in various fields.