Activity Overview
An oscilloscope is a machine that can be used to visualize sound waves. When we increase the volume of a sound, the amplitude of the wave is increased. The frequency of a wave is related to its pitch. If the pitch is high, then the frequency of the wave is high. This means that the wave will looked squashed on an oscilloscope trace.
In this activity, students will create a chart that shows how an oscilloscope trace relates to what a sound wave sounds like. Students can modify the wave shape using the crop and resize functions. You can make this activity more difficult by quantifying the changes in the waves. For example if the wave is twice as loud, then the wave will be twice as high.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that demonstrates how an oscilloscope trace relates to what the sound wave sounds like.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the second row, use the crop and resize functions to draw a wave that has the same pitch as the first wave, but is louder.
- In the third row, use the crop and resize functions to draw a wave that has the same volume as the first wave, but has a higher pitch.
- In the fourth row, use the crop and resize functions to draw a wave that has the same volume as the first wave, but has a lower pitch.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waveform (2nd Row) | The wave has a larger amplitude, but the frequency has not changed. | The wave has a larger amplitude, but the frequency has been changed as well. | The waveform is completely incorrect. |
| Waveform (3rd Row) | The wave has a higher frequency, but the amplitude has not changed. | The wave has a higher frequency, but the amplitude has changed. | The waveform is completely incorrect. |
| Waveform (4th Row) | The wave has a lower frequency, but the amplitude has not changed. | The wave has a lower frequency, but the amplitude has changed. | The waveform is completely incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Activity Overview
An oscilloscope is a machine that can be used to visualize sound waves. When we increase the volume of a sound, the amplitude of the wave is increased. The frequency of a wave is related to its pitch. If the pitch is high, then the frequency of the wave is high. This means that the wave will looked squashed on an oscilloscope trace.
In this activity, students will create a chart that shows how an oscilloscope trace relates to what a sound wave sounds like. Students can modify the wave shape using the crop and resize functions. You can make this activity more difficult by quantifying the changes in the waves. For example if the wave is twice as loud, then the wave will be twice as high.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that demonstrates how an oscilloscope trace relates to what the sound wave sounds like.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the second row, use the crop and resize functions to draw a wave that has the same pitch as the first wave, but is louder.
- In the third row, use the crop and resize functions to draw a wave that has the same volume as the first wave, but has a higher pitch.
- In the fourth row, use the crop and resize functions to draw a wave that has the same volume as the first wave, but has a lower pitch.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 25 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Beginning 0 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waveform (2nd Row) | The wave has a larger amplitude, but the frequency has not changed. | The wave has a larger amplitude, but the frequency has been changed as well. | The waveform is completely incorrect. |
| Waveform (3rd Row) | The wave has a higher frequency, but the amplitude has not changed. | The wave has a higher frequency, but the amplitude has changed. | The waveform is completely incorrect. |
| Waveform (4th Row) | The wave has a lower frequency, but the amplitude has not changed. | The wave has a lower frequency, but the amplitude has changed. | The waveform is completely incorrect. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
How Tos about Change in Sound Waves: Oscilloscope Trace
How to Lead a Hands-On Sound Wave Demonstration Using Everyday Classroom Materials
Engage students by using simple objects to visualize sound waves, making abstract concepts more concrete and memorable for grades 2–8 learners.
Gather common materials like rubber bands, plastic cups, and rulers
Collecting easily available items ensures every student can participate. Rubber bands can mimic strings, while cups and rulers serve as supports and amplifiers.
Demonstrate sound production by plucking or tapping the materials
Show how vibrations create sound by striking or plucking the rubber bands stretched across a cup or between two supports. Highlight the visible movement and the sound produced.
Ask students to compare sounds by changing tension or length
Encourage students to adjust the rubber band tension or length and observe how pitch and volume change. This hands-on manipulation helps them connect physical changes to sound properties.
Guide students to draw their own 'wave traces' based on what they hear
Have students sketch simple waveforms on paper to represent loud, soft, high, and low sounds. This step builds a bridge between auditory experience and visual representation of sound waves.
Frequently Asked Questions about Change in Sound Waves: Oscilloscope Trace
How does an oscilloscope show changes in sound waves?
An oscilloscope displays sound waves as visual traces. Louder sounds appear as taller waves (higher amplitude), while higher-pitched sounds have waves that are more closely packed together (higher frequency).
What is the relationship between amplitude, volume, and oscilloscope traces?
Amplitude on an oscilloscope trace shows the volume of a sound. When the amplitude increases, the sound gets louder, and the trace becomes taller on the screen.
How do you demonstrate pitch changes using an oscilloscope in a classroom activity?
To show pitch changes on an oscilloscope, increase the frequency of the wave—this makes the waves appear more squashed together. Ask students to compare traces with the same amplitude but different frequencies for a clear example.
What are some quick activities to help students understand sound waves using oscilloscope traces?
Try activities where students draw or modify wave traces using crop and resize tools, matching different pitches and volumes, or create a chart comparing how changes in amplitude and frequency affect the visual trace and the sound.
Why do higher-pitched sounds look 'squashed' on an oscilloscope?
Higher-pitched sounds have a greater frequency, meaning more wave cycles occur in the same time, so the trace looks more compressed or 'squashed' on the oscilloscope screen.
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