Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Describe the production of sound by vibrating sources
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how a vibrating source generates longitudinal sound waves in a medium.
  • Explain the relationship between frequency, amplitude, and the perceived pitch and loudness of sound.
  • Apply the formula for the fundamental frequency of a stretched string to calculate pitch.
  • Identify factors (tension, length, mass per unit length, medium) that affect the frequency and amplitude of sound.
  • Compare different types of vibrating sources and their typical frequency ranges.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Speaker or tuning fork for live demonstration
  • Stretched string apparatus with adjustable tension
  • Worksheets with frequency calculation problems
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout summarising key terms (amplitude, frequency, wavelength, etc.)
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a guitar string being plucked, asking students what they hear and see. Recall that they have previously studied waves and the equation for simple harmonic motion. Explain that today they will discover how the vibration of a source creates sound waves and how its properties determine pitch and loudness. By the end of the lesson they will be able to describe the production of sound, explain key factors, and calculate a string’s fundamental frequency.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Students complete a quick quiz on wave displacement and frequency.
  2. Teacher input (10'): Explain vibration definition and how a vibrating source creates longitudinal waves using projected diagrams.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Demonstrate a vibrating string and speaker; students label compressions/rarefactions on a worksheet.
  4. Collaborative activity (15'): Small groups calculate the fundamental frequency of a given string using the formula and compare results.
  5. Concept check (8'): Quick Q&A with clickers or show of hands to confirm understanding of factors affecting pitch and loudness.
  6. Summary discussion (5'): Review key terms and address any remaining questions.
Conclusion:
Summarise that sound originates from periodic vibrations that generate longitudinal pressure waves, and that frequency and amplitude control pitch and loudness. Ask each student to write one exit‑ticket sentence stating one factor that changes the pitch of a sound source. For homework, assign problems to calculate frequencies for different string lengths and tensions and to research another type of vibrating source.