Db Meters (AKA Decibel Meters), are hand held contraptions that measure how loud (or quiet) sounds are. Whispering into one generates a low number, yelling gives you a bigger number, and revving a chainsaw an even bigger one.

These things can spark STEM play and exploration around sound, volume, tools, measuring, sorting, and more.

You’ll find old school versions online and at thrift stores from time to time, or you can grab a new one online for around $20 (affiliate link).

Examples Of Db Meters

There’s also an app for that, so you can download a free or nearly free db meter for your phone.

A Practical Loose Part

Aside from the play, having a Db meter on hand allows you to determine exactly what an inside voice is– “Hey, it’s getting loud in here. Let’s quiet down about 3.5 decibels.”

Another Db meter upside: If a neighbor complains about the noise coming from your playground, you can prove that it’s not nearly as loud as the leaf blower the always seem to turn on when the toddlers go down for their naps.

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