Virginia SOL 5.5

5.5 is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• 5.5.a

  sound is produced when an object or substance vibrates

• 5.5.b

  sound is the transfer of energy

• 5.5.c

  different media transmit sound differently

• 5.5.d

  sound waves have many uses and applications.

01

What Students Need to Do

Students identify the vibrating source of a sound and trace its energy through a material to a receiver. They compare sound transmission through solids, liquids, and gases. They also explain uses such as sonar and medical ultrasound.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can name what vibrates, identify the medium, and trace the energy to the listener. The student can use test results to compare media and explain how one sound-wave application works.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may think sound travels through empty space or carries matter from the source to the listener. They may also assume louder sounds travel faster and that all materials transmit sound equally well.

04

How to Assess It

Give students a diagram of two cups connected by string. Ask them to label the source, medium, and receiver, then explain why a taut string works better than a slack string.

1. 01

   Build cup-and-string phones, then compare sound with the string taut, slack, touching a desk, and held in the air.

2. 02

   Write a claim explaining why a desk tap sounds different with your ear on the desk than with your ear raised.

3. 03

   Sort picture cards showing guitar strings, air, ears, sonar, and ultrasound into source, medium, receiver, or application groups.

4. 04

   Study a ship sonar diagram and trace sound energy from transmitter to seafloor to receiver, labeling water as the medium.

• PS.6

  The student will investigate and understand that waves are important in the movement of energy. Key ideas include

• 5.4

  The student will investigate and understand that electricity is transmitted and used in daily life. Key ideas include

• PS.7

  The student will investigate and understand that electromagnetic radiation has characteristics. Key ideas include

• PS.9

  The student will investigate and understand that there are basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key ideas include