Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Phase
Discover
Activities
Introduction to Sound and Acoustics - Explore the basics of sound waves, frequency, and amplitude through interactive demonstrations and discussions. Students will share their initial thoughts on how sound impacts daily life. (25 min)
Visit to Local Cinema - Participate in a guided tour of a local cinema or theater to observe and analyze the sound design systems in place. Students will take notes on key features and how these systems enhance the auditory experience. (25 min)
Soundscape Analysis Workshop - In small groups, students will identify various sound sources in their environment, categorizing them by type and perceived loudness. Each group will start drafting their Soundscape Analysis Report, focusing on how different sounds affect their surroundings. (25 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
Soundscape Analysis Report
No deliverables due
Preparation 1. Secure tuning forks, water containers, and sound meter apps for demonstrations.
2. Arrange a short video and prepare visual aids on noise pollution and sound physics.
3. Plan the route for the sound walk and ensure all necessary permissions are obtained.
4. Prepare materials for the sound and hearing lab, including various fabrics and objects for testing sound absorption.
5. Create project journals or digital templates for student documentation.
Week 2
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Phase
Examine
Activities
Acoustic Environment Exploration - Students will visit various locations around the school to observe and record different sound levels using decibel meters. They will take notes on the sources and characteristics of sounds in each environment. (25 min)
Acoustic Environment Field Report Writing - Using data collected from the previous exploration, students will draft their Acoustic Environment Field Reports, focusing on sound sources, levels, and impacts on the environment. Peers will provide feedback on initial drafts. (25 min)
Noise Pollution Impact Research - Students will research the effects of noise pollution on human health and the environment. They will gather information to be used in their Noise Pollution Impact Infographic, identifying key data points and statistics. (25 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
Acoustic Environment Field Report
Noise Pollution Impact Infographic
Preparation 1. Purchase or borrow sound meters and tuning forks for experiments.
2. Install sound analysis apps on smartphones for visualization of sound waves.
3. Coordinate with local cinema/theater for a visit and arrange transportation.
4. Prepare survey templates for community noise pollution investigation.
5. Gather background materials and resources on sound waves and acoustics for reference.
Week 3
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Phase
Examine
Engineer
Activities
Decibel Measurement Practice - Students will practice measuring sound levels with decibel meters around the campus, focusing on understanding variations and patterns in sound intensity. (25 min)
Soundproofing Material Exploration - Students will experiment with various materials to test their soundproofing capabilities, recording observations on effectiveness in reducing sound levels. (25 min)
Prototype Soundproof Box Construction - In groups, students will use their knowledge from previous sessions to collaboratively design and begin constructing their soundproof box prototypes, integrating chosen materials for optimal soundproofing. (25 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Preparation 1. Gather research materials on acoustics and soundproofing techniques for student use.
2. Arrange access to case studies or virtual tours of local cinema/theater sound systems.
3. Provide art supplies and tools for creating sketches and concept maps.
4. Prepare basic prototyping materials such as cardboard, foam, and acoustic panels.
5. Coordinate group formation to ensure diverse skill sets and perspectives within teams.
6. Set up a collaborative digital platform for students to share research findings and design ideas.
Week 4
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Phase
Engineer
Activities
Soundproof Box Design Presentation Preparation - Students finalize their soundproof box designs, focusing on clear communication of their solutions and understanding of acoustics principles. They prepare visual aids and practice presenting their designs to peers. (25 min)
Soundproof Box Testing and Data Collection - Students test their soundproof box prototypes, measuring sound levels inside and outside the box with decibel meters. They record data and observations for analysis. (25 min)
Data Analysis and Refinement - Students analyze the data collected from their soundproof box testing to identify patterns and areas for improvement. They discuss findings in groups and refine their designs based on evidence. (25 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
Prototype Soundproof Box Construction
Soundproof Box Design Presentation
Preparation 1. Gather a variety of soundproofing materials such as foam panels, rubber mats, and fiberglass insulation for student experiments.
2. Provide decibel meters or smartphone apps to measure sound levels accurately.
3. Ensure access to graphing software or tools for students to analyze and present their data.
4. Prepare a set of guidelines and criteria for the Silent Room Challenge to help students understand the expectations and objectives.
5. Coordinate with local cinemas or theaters to arrange a visit or virtual tour to discuss professional soundproofing techniques and acoustic design considerations.
Week 5
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Phase
Do
Activities
Noise Reduction Graph Analysis Preparation - Guide students in organizing their collected soundproof box data into visual graphs. Students will identify key patterns and prepare to analyze their noise reduction effectiveness. (25 min)
Noise Reduction Graph Analysis Completion - Students finalize their graphs, highlighting key findings and insights. They prepare a brief explanation of their analysis to share with the class. (25 min)
Soundproofing Effectiveness Report Drafting - Students begin drafting their Soundproofing Effectiveness Report, synthesizing data and experiences from their soundproof box tests. (25 min)
Soundproofing Effectiveness Report Finalization - Students complete their reports, ensuring clarity and coherence. They incorporate feedback from peers and teachers to refine their work. (25 min)
Peer Review and Feedback Session - Students exchange reports with peers for constructive feedback, focusing on the clarity of data interpretation and proposed improvements. (25 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
Noise Reduction Graph Analysis
Soundproofing Effectiveness Report
Preparation 1. Secure sound level meters for testing soundproof boxes.
2. Prepare a controlled environment for soundproof box testing.
3. Gather materials for assembling sound stereo designs, including soundproofing materials such as foam panels and dampening sheets.
4. Coordinate with local cinemas or theaters for insights on their sound design systems.
5. Create templates for students to record data and analyze results from their soundproofing tests.
6. Provide guidelines for student presentations, ensuring they include key aspects such as design process, challenges, solutions, and application.
Week 6
Day 16
Day 17
Day 18
Phase
Do
Share
Activities
Final Testing and Data Collection - Conduct final tests of the sound stereo designs in various environments to gather comprehensive data on their performance, focusing on noise reduction and sound quality. (25 min)
Reflective Portfolio Compilation - Begin assembling a reflective portfolio that documents the entire project journey, including design iterations, testing data, and personal reflections on learning and challenges faced. (25 min)
Reflective Portfolio Presentation Preparation - Prepare and practice presenting the reflective portfolios to an authentic audience, ensuring clear communication of the project's technical solutions and personal growth. (25 min)
Portfolio Presentation and Feedback - Present the reflective portfolios to classmates and learning partners, receiving feedback on both the technical aspects and personal reflections. (25 min)
Deliverables
No deliverables due
No deliverables due
Reflective Portfolio Presentation
Preparation 1. Arrange visits to local cinemas or theaters for real-world testing.
2. Ensure access to decibel meters and sound quality assessment tools.
3. Prepare presentation resources such as slides, visual aids, and talking points.
4. Coordinate with audio professionals at partner venues for guidance during testing.
5. Set up a schedule for group collaboration and presentation practice.
6. Organize reflection prompts to guide students in articulating their learning experience.