Bee Hummer

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
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
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
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)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Sound

Informal Categories

  • Music
  • Toys

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:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • The Exploratorium

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Exploratorium, 2007

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation