Sound Journal

Sound energy is all around you. Sound energy is picked up by your ears, and your inner ear changes these sound waves into signals that travel to your brain. Your brain interprets these signals. Sometimes, you get so used to certain sounds you don't notice them. Take a few minutes to observe the sound energy around you.

Materials

• paper
• pen or pencil
• watch or clock

Procedure

Find a place in your home where you can observe the sounds around you. What do you hear? What is causing these sounds? Make a chart with three columns. For 15 minutes, write down the sounds you hear in the first column. Describe the volume and pitch of the sound in the second column. Write down what causes each sound in the third column.

Results

What sounds did you observe? What caused the sounds? Describe these sounds to a family member. Explain to them how sound energy travels.