Year 1 – Tuning Into Sound and Hearing

This week, Year 1 launched their exciting new science topic, ‘Sound and Hearing’, with a hands-on outdoor exploration. Making the most of the beautiful spring weather, the children embarked on a sound walk around the school grounds to begin discovering how sound works in the world around us.

They began by learning that all sounds come from a source, and that we can use our ears to identify and interpret them. With clipboards and curious minds in hand, the children found a peaceful, shady spot on the school grounds where they sat quietly and focused on listening to the environment around them.

From the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze to the distant hum of cars, birdsong, footsteps on the path, and even the occasional bark from a dog nearby, the children were able to identify a variety of different sounds. There was lots of excitement as they tried to guess what the sounds might be and where they were coming from.

The activity sparked thoughtful discussions about volume, pitch, and how we use our sense of hearing to navigate the world. It also encouraged close listening, concentration, and a growing scientific vocabulary as the children began to describe and record their observations.

This sound walk not only introduced key scientific concepts in an engaging, real-world context but also helped the children appreciate the richness of the world around them – one sound at a time.