How Loud is Too Loud?

In science we learned that the loudness of sound is measured in decibels. Any noise over 150 decibels will damage our hearing immediately. Sounds at 125 decibels cause pain and indicate damage being done. Long term exposure to sounds over 85-90 decibels will cause hearing loss over time. 

We were able to borrow a decibel meter to find out how loud certain areas of our school are. Our average classroom noise was 65-70. The lunch room's reading was 88. Activity time in the gym was 92. When Mr. Hoover blew his whistle, the meter read 103!

Then we tested the decibel level of some students' iPods. First they put in their ear buds and found the volume they most commonly keep the iPod set at. Next we placed the earbud up to the decibel meter for a reading. Many students found that they are listening to music in the range of 90 decibels which could lead to hearing damage over time. We noted that if we could hear a person's ipod music clearly from a couple feet away, it was over 85 decibels. If we could "kind of" hear the sound from the earbuds, but not clearly, that student was probably listening at a safe level. Some students noted any volume set past "half-way" on an ipod was over 85 decibels.

That day we all discovered so much about the science of sound and the importance of protecting our hearing.

Frequencies We Can Hear

Today we learned about the range of frequencies the human ear can hear. Then we did a hearing test to see what sounds were too high in frequency for us to hear.

We raised our hands while we could hear the tone, then lowered our hand to signal when we could no longer hear it. Guess which person in the classroom had trouble hearing the highest frequencies??

Try it for yourself and see what you can hear!

Evidence of Vibrations

This week we did lots of experiments to find evidence of vibrations in different sounds. Our classroom was a noisy place as we did these activities! :)

Letting air out of a balloon makes a squeaking sound. We could see, hear and feel evidence of vibrations!

When we strike a tuning fork and put it in water, the vibrations make the water splatter.

Popping a balloon also created vibrations, but it scared the guinea pigs!

Striking a tuning fork and touching it to a ping pong ball caused the ball to bounce.

Amplitude Experiment

Today we made paper bangers in science. When they are folded properly and flicked through the air, they make a fun snapping sound. We did an experiment to see which type of paper works best.

We learned that lightweight paper works best and makes the clearest snap. Another fun challenge would be to make a banger at home and experiment with paper size.

Which size of paper gives the greatest amplitude...a large sheet of newspaper or 1/2 sheet of notebook paper?

Holiday Party

Our class party was extra special this year because the students took an active part in planning it.

They chose what to have for refreshments with a class vote. Our preferred treats were selected and generous parents provided them for us! We enjoyed real concession-stand style nachos, oreo balls, hot chocolate, and orange soda.

We also voted on what movie to watch. The class selected Open Season 2.

That afternoon, we all created 3D snowflakes to hang from our ceiling. Our classroom looked amazing when we got them finished and hung up.

It was a fun way to celebrate the beginning of the holidays!