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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/sound-waves/application
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Sound isn't just something we hear, it also has a variety of different uses across many industries. Both humans and animals use sound to communicate, locate, and more. In this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates real world applications of sound. Have students use books and the internet to research these and select five different uses. You may also provide them with a list to select from.
Template and Class Instructions
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 spider map that illustrates and describes several uses of sound.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four practical uses of sound in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence or more describing each one.
- Illustrate the practical application using a combination of scenes, characters, and items, or use Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Real World Applications
Think of real world examples of the concept. Produce a visualization to illustrate the real world example of the concept.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells, each giving a real world example. | There are at least two cells, each giving a real world example. | There is a least one cell giving a real world example. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the real world examples. | The storyboard cell relates to the real world example, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the real world example. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Sound isn't just something we hear, it also has a variety of different uses across many industries. Both humans and animals use sound to communicate, locate, and more. In this activity, students will create a spider map that illustrates real world applications of sound. Have students use books and the internet to research these and select five different uses. You may also provide them with a list to select from.
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 spider map that illustrates and describes several uses of sound.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify four practical uses of sound in the title boxes.
- Write a sentence or more describing each one.
- Illustrate the practical application using a combination of scenes, characters, and items, or use Photos for Class.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Real World Applications
Think of real world examples of the concept. Produce a visualization to illustrate the real world example of the concept.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examples | There are at least four cells, each giving a real world example. | There are at least two cells, each giving a real world example. | There is a least one cell giving a real world example. |
| Visualization | The storyboard cell clearly illustrates the real world examples. | The storyboard cell relates to the real world example, but is difficult to understand. | The storyboard cell does not clearly relate to the real world example. |
| 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 Illustrating the Uses of Sound
1
Organize a Classroom Sound Exploration Station
Set up a dedicated area with materials like tuning forks, rubber bands, and jars of water. Students can experiment with creating and observing different sounds, helping them connect theory to real-world experiences.
2
Demonstrate How Sound Travels Through Different Materials
Provide students with items such as string telephones, metal spoons, and plastic tubes. Guide them to test and compare how sound moves through solids, liquids, and gases.
3
Encourage Students to Record and Analyze Everyday Sounds
Invite students to use a phone or tablet to record sounds at home or school. Have them share their findings and discuss the purpose of each sound in daily life.
4
Connect Sound Uses to Real-World Careers
Highlight jobs like ultrasound technicians, sound engineers, or animal researchers. Ask students to research and present how these professionals use sound in their work.
5
Facilitate a Class Discussion on Sound Safety
Lead a conversation about safe and unsafe sound levels. Discuss ways to protect hearing and recognize environments where sound can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions about Illustrating the Uses of Sound
What are some real-world uses of sound in everyday life?
Sound is used in many everyday situations, such as communication (talking, alarms), navigation (echoes, sonar), medical imaging (ultrasound), entertainment (music, movies), and wildlife (animals locating prey or mates).
How can students create a spider map to show the uses of sound?
To create a spider map, students start by writing "Uses of Sound" in the center, then branch out to identify and describe different applications, using pictures, scenes, or photos for illustration.
Why is sound important in communication for humans and animals?
Sound enables both humans and animals to convey messages, express emotions, and warn of danger, making it a crucial tool for survival and social interaction.
What are four practical uses of sound students can include in their project?
Four practical uses of sound are: communication (talking, alerts), navigation (sonar, echolocation), medical imaging (ultrasound), and entertainment (music, movies).
What is a spider map activity and how does it help students learn about sound?
A spider map activity helps students visually organize information about the different uses of sound, making it easier to understand and remember how sound impacts daily life.
More Storyboard That Activities
Sound Waves
Image Attributions
- 2009 Ultrasound Pics • mbaylor • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Dolphin • nakhon100 • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Seismograph • Tony Crider • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- ship • hamad M • License Attribution, Non Commercial (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/)
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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/sound-waves/application
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© 2026 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
