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 (high high or low it is), and timbre (the quality of sound) and feel its vibrations. Eight-year-olds are beginning to learn that the characteristics of a material — like water — will change how light or sound is transmitted through it. For example, they may know that some materials block light, some allow all light through and some only allow some light through, or that tightening the strings on a stringed instrument will change the pitch of the sound. They enjoy creating new ways of doing things, so activities like using hangers to investigate sound appeal to them. They may enjoy reading about light and sound, especially when books include new ideas for their own investigations. 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!