About
this Daily Classroom Special:
Science to Go provides easy yet meaningful
science activities for grades k-8. Science to Go was written
by Barbara Smith, Magnet Coordinator at Harvard Elementary, Houston
(TX) and former Teachers Network web mentor.
Spoon Gongs
Objectives:
Investigate sounds.
Determine effects of variables.
Compare and contrast.
Materials
Kite string or crochet thread, meter sticks, scissors, metal spoons,
different pieces of metal dinnerware and serving utensils.
Procedure
- Have students measure and cut one meter of string per student.
- Demonstrate how to make a loop in the center of the string
that will hold onto the handle of a spoon, yet can still be undone
without tangling.
- Gently wrap one end of the string around the last joint of
your left index finger, and the other one around your right (only
2-3 wraps around).
- Insert the tips of your index fingers in your ears, bend over,
and allow the spoon to swing gently. Bump the spoon against a
table or desk edge. You should hear a deep gonging sound.
- Experiment with different variables (metal type, weight, different
utensils, different handle types, etc.)
- Have students report their findings; comparing and contrasting
effects of the variables.
Related Web Sites
The Soundry:
History and physics of sound, parts of the ear, interactive sound
labs.
NOVA Online/ Faster
Than Sound: Sonic boom explained, history of land, air and speed
records, teachers' guide.
Wild Sanctuary
Sound Safaris: Sound files of animals from around the world
to download and listen to. Good photos, too.
VI Online: Sound FX
Page: Tons of wav. files of common sounds and sound effects.
(Has a link to company homepage with classifieds that might require
supervision.)
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