Sound Box

Make your own sound box and explore the world of sound waves.  Many kids end up playing with this experiment and don't even realize they are learning all about sound.

Continue reading "Sound Box"

Materials (shoe box, elastic bands, extra cardboard - optional )

1. Put the elastics around the box.
   
2. Use your finger to pluck each elastic. Listen to the different sounds.
   
3. Use the fingers of one hand to stretch one of the elastics. Pluck the elastic. Does it change the note?
   
4. Arrange the elastics in sequence from the highest note to the lowest note. Can you figure out why this sequence works?
   

Note:  you may need to tape the small piece of cardboard to the bottom and sides of the box to strengthen the sides.

What Should Happen

The elastics vibrate when they are plucked. Both the object that is vibrating, and the tension will change the sound. Wide elastics usually vibrate slower, so they create low notes. Thin elastics vibrate faster to create higher notes.

A loose elastic will vibrate more slowly (creating a lower note) than a tight elastic that is the same width. That's why stretching the elastic changed the sound.

Make musical chimes from water glasses.

Notes to Parents:

1. Every parent must use their own judgment in choosing which activities are safe for their own children.  While Science Kids at Home makes every effort to provide activity ideas that are safe and fun for children it is your responsibility to choose the activities that are safe in your own home.
2. Science Kids at Home has checked the external web links on this page that we created.  We believe these links provide interesting information that is appropriate for kids.  However, the internet is a constantly changing place and these links may not work or the external web site may have changed.  We also have no control over the "Ads by Google" links, but these should be related to kids science and crafts.  You are responsible for supervising your own children.  If you ever find a link that you feel is inappropriate, please let us know.

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