Bee Hummer
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Description
In this activity, learners investigate sound and vibration by making a "bee hummer"--a toy that sounds like a swarm of buzzing bees when you spin it around. The activity includes three short online videos: Introduction, Step-by-Step Instructions, and What's Going On. Also available: a concept map and a "Going Further" document that suggests variations on this activity.
Quick Guide
- Preparation Time: 10 to 30 minutes
- Learning Time: 10 to 30 minutes
- Estimated materials cost: 1 cent - $1 per student
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Age Range: Ages 8 - 14
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Resource Type: Activity
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Language: English
Materials List (per student)
- popsicle stick
- string
- wide rubber band (about 1/4 inch wide)
- index card
- cap eraser (the kind that fits on the end of a pencil)
- scissors
- stapler (strong enough to staple paper to a popsicle stick)
Subjects
Informal Categories
- Music
- Toys
Subjects
- Physical Sciences
- Vibration and Waves
- Sound
- Vibration and Waves
Audience
To use this activity learners need to
- hear
- touch
Learning styles supported
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource
This resource is part of
Funding sources
- National Science Foundation
Comments
Try changing the tension of one side of the rubber band. Make it tighter to hear a higher pitched bee!
This activity was quick to make and really fun. The instructions and videos provided by the Exploratorium were very helpful.
I made two Bee Hummers, one that followed the directions provided by the Exploratorium by the book. For the other Bee Hummer, I used sliced cork instead of erasers and taped the index card securely to the craft stick. The tape held up and is a good option if you don't have a stapler or don't want kids to use a stapler. The sliced cork works well and seems to make more noise than the cap erasers, but is more difficult to cut and attach to the ends of the craft sticks.
I also discovered that if you swing the Bee Hummer for too long, the string can chafe your hands. Perhaps the Bee Hummer should only be played in moderation...