"Vibe Busters: Silencing Sound Pollution"

Plan

10th, 11th, 12th Grades Project 2 weeks

"Vibe Busters: Silencing Sound Pollution"

Michelle R

HS-PS4-5

HS-LS2-7

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

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Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of sound principles and their real-world applications by engaging them in designing solutions to mitigate noise pollution. Through hands-on experiments, collaboration with community partners, and iterative design processes, students will explore the impact of sound on human health and behavior. The project fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning as students create innovative sound barriers and acoustic environments, culminating in a public exhibition to share their findings and solutions.

Learning goals

Students will explore the fundamental principles of sound, including vibrations, frequency, and pitch, and apply this knowledge to design solutions for noise pollution. They will engage in hands-on experiments to test the effectiveness of various materials in sound transmission and develop a deeper understanding of sound's impact on human health and behavior. Through collaboration with community partners and peer feedback, students will refine their designs, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The project will culminate in a presentation of their sound barrier prototypes, fostering self-directed learning and a sense of belonging within their community.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-5 - Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS4-5 - Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy.
[Next Generation Science Standards] HS-LS2-7 - Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will design and construct functional prototypes of sound barriers using recycled materials, demonstrating their effectiveness in noise reduction during a live community event. They will also host a 'Sound Innovation Fair' to display acoustic environment designs, complete with models and simulations, allowing visitors to experience improved sound quality. Additionally, students will create an interactive exhibit showcasing their research on noise pollution's impact on health, featuring sound recordings and visual data to engage the audience in understanding sound management's importance.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Sound Safari' where students explore different environments around the school or local community to identify and record various sounds. Follow this with a group discussion on their observations, focusing on the implications for noise pollution and potential impacts on human health and behavior. This activity sets the stage for understanding sound's role in daily life and its influence on the environment, sparking curiosity and engagement for the upcoming project tasks.

Exhibition

Host a 'Sound Solutions Expo' where students showcase their sound barrier prototypes and acoustic environment designs to an audience of parents, peers, and community members. Attendees can interact with the exhibits, experiencing firsthand the effectiveness of the designs in reducing noise pollution. The event encourages dialogue and feedback, offering students the opportunity to discuss their design process and the impact of their solutions on urban soundscapes.