Turn Down the Volume

Case Introduction
Welcome, detectives! Everything you need to get started in your investigation is at your fingertips! Click the links below to learn the problem situation, your role, and the criteria for the case. Be sure to review the steps in the problem-solving process!

Here's the Situation!
You are a city planner for Big City. A number of citizens from the Sleepless Subdivision have been filing complaints about the increasing noise in their area. The mayor and city council have asked you to determine what is causing the noise and develop three possible plans to "Turn Down the Volume." A map of Big City and other resources have been provided to help you prepare your final presentations, which should include written and graphical descriptions of the three noise reduction plans.

Your Role in the Case!
As a city planner, it will be your role to help collect information about ways in which Big City can reduce the noise levels within the community.

• In Dr. D's Lab, you will find information on sound and how it travels.
• In the Research Rack, you will find resources about sound and more!
• In the Media Zone, you will find photos that may be used in preparing the final report.

The Criteria for the Case
Use your knowledge of how sound travels to develop three possible solutions to the problem of the increasing noise levels around the Sleepless Subdivision.

• Develop a plan of action.
• Keep a journal that includes investigative questions, important issues, and resources in the Problem Log provided.
• Produce a final report that informs the mayor and city council of three possible solutions to the problem and include written and graphical descriptions. Use the map of Big City and information recorded in your Problem Log to support your conclusion.