LuduminaWA-06 · WA-U2 · Planned
Sound, hearing and transmission
Learning objectives
Relate sound speed, frequency and wavelength across media; H: explain sound-to-solid vibration and hearing limits.
8463 §§4.6.1.2,4.6.1.4 / No Trilogy counterpart
DfE single-science pp.37–39 / Combined pp.32–33. Evidence checked 30 September–1 October 2026. Skills: WS1.2,3.6; MS1c,3c.
Needs firstWA-01–03
Explanation
Sound needs a material whose disturbances can propagate. At a boundary, source frequency is preserved but speed and wavelength can change. On the separate Higher route, hearing is explained by sound causing vibrations in solids in the ear over a limited frequency range.
Concepts, equations and units: v=fλ; m/s,Hz,m; frequency fixed by source; H normal human hearing about 20 Hz–20 kHz.
Prediction, demonstration and game exercise
Predict, observe, explain
Transmit a model tone into another medium; H: show eardrum vibration within a limited response range.
Planned learner game exercise
Match source-frequency and wavelength cards in two media; H: classify audible/ultrasound tones using numbers, not real loud audio.
Independent practice
Two wavelength comparisons; H explain ear response and why sound needs matter.
Original practice example · Separate Physics
A 1000 Hz sound wave travels at 1500 m/s in a supplied medium. Find wavelength.
Show working and model answer
Working / reasoning
λ = v/f = 1500/1000.
Answer
1.5 m.
Exit check and success criteria
Frequency preserved with correct wavelength changes; H correct hearing range and vibration chain.
During practice, compare the prediction with evidence and give an error-specific prompt. The exit item uses a fresh context or fresh values, answered independently.
Misconceptions, practical links and mastery
Check these misconceptions
Pitch always changes between media; humans hear every frequency; animation scale is a real ear motion measurement.
Practical preparation
Optional sound transmission demonstration; AT4,8; no required practical specific to hearing.
Virtual preparation and revision only. Required hands-on activities and school records remain separate.
Proposed mastery
0: not yet evidenced. 1: supported. 2: independent exit criteria met. 3: successful changed-context transfer. Advance at 2; revisit with fresh retrieval. These are not GCSE grades.