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In this activity, learners create a sound visualizer from common materials to help see the vibrations created by sound. Sounds from a tone generator make salt dance on a vibrating balloon membrane. An accompanying video with Mr. O gives a simple explanation of sound and provides step-by step instructions on how to build the sound visualizer.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $5 - $10 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 14
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Tone generator (free download available)
- 2 inch, 8Ω, 0.5W speaker with leads (if possible)
- 3.5mm mono (or stereo, but mono is easier) male/male audio cable
- Electrical tape
- Masking tape or glue
- 12″ round balloon
- Large plastic cup
- Scissors or Dremel tool
- Wire cutter
- Wire stripper
- Salt
- Soldering equipment (optional)
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Senses and Perception
- Hearing
-
Human Senses and Perception
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Wave Motion
- Sound
-
Vibration and Waves
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- hear
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Children's Museum of Houston, 2011