Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary | Undergraduate Programs in Education

Lesson Overview

Dates March 2025 Subject Science (Sound)
Grade Level Grade 2 Length 60 Minutes
Unit Energy Exploration Lesson # 6
Teacher Lucas Johnson

Identify Desired Results

Learner Outcomes

  • Understand reflection of sound waves (echoes).
  • Explain the basic principle of echolocation (using echoes to determine location).
  • Recognize that reflected sound can be changed by distance and absorption.

Objective (Student-Friendly)

  • I Know: Sound bounces off surfaces to make echoes.
  • I Understand: Animals like bats and dolphins "see" with sound using echoes.
  • I Can: Use my ears to find a target during the "Bat and Moth" game.

Assessment Strategies

Formative:

  • Observe students using sound direction during the echolocation game.
  • Ask: "How does a bat know if a moth is close or far away?" (Echo timing).
  • Class discussion on why echoes are usually quieter than the first sound.

Differentiated Learning & Resources

Resources

  • Blindfolds
  • Large open space (Gym or cleared room)
  • Audio clips of bats and Weddell seals
  • Hard flat board (for echo demo)

Personalization

  • Challenge: Add soft obstacles to the game to simulate sound absorption.
  • Support: Provide sighted guides or reduce the playing area size.
  • Engagement: Use fun animal calls like "Click-Click" or "Bat-Moth."

Lesson Sequence

1. Hook: Hearing the Bounce (2 min)

  • Call out "Echo!" near a hard wall and then in the center of the room. Ask: "Did the sound bounce back? Why was it quieter the second time?" Introduce sound reflection.

2. Explicit Instruction (10 min)

  • Reflection (Sound): Sound waves hitting hard, flat surfaces and bouncing back.
  • Echo: The reflected wave you hear.
  • Echolocation: Sending out sound and listening to the echo to find things. Mention Weddell seals and dolphins.

3. Activity: Bats & Moths Game (30 min)

  • Setup: One "Bat" (blindfolded) and several "Moths" in a circle.
  • The Hunt: The Bat calls "Bat!" and the Moths must reply "Moth!" immediately.
  • The Discovery: The Bat must listen to the timing and direction of the replies to "catch" a moth.
  • Safety: "Walk slowly with your hands out!"

4. Wrap-up and Reflection (15 min)

  • Discussion: "How did you know where the moth was? Was it easier when they were close?" (Fast echo).
  • Journal: "Draw a bat using sound to find its dinner."

Glossary

  • Reflection (Sound): Sound bouncing off something.
  • Echo: A sound wave that bounces back to you.
  • Echolocation: Using echoes to find location and distance.
  • Timing: How long it takes for the echo to return.