Light and Sound

Young children are very curious about the sights and sounds in the world around them and interested in exploring them. Although they can’t touch, smell or taste light and sound, children can still investigate their properties. Young children experience the properties of light when they feel the warmth of the sun on their skin and when they see the colors, shadows, reflections and rainbows that are created as light interacts with the world around them. They experience the properties of sound when they hear its volume (how loud or soft it is), pitch (how high or low it is), and timbre (the quality of sound) and feel its vibrations. Six-year-olds begin to understand that sound causes vibration and vibration causes sound. They enjoy experimenting with volume, pitch and timbre using different tools they make. They continue to notice and explore shadows and are increasingly interested in how light acts on transparent (light goes through it) and translucent (some light goes through it) objects and materials. As you explore light and sound with your child, talk with them about their experiences, observations and ideas. Individual children will be interested in exploring different things, so remember to follow your child’s lead!