Making Vocal Cords

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In this activity, learners imitate the way vocal cords work by building a model from a plastic cup, rubber band, and a straw. Then learners blow through the straw onto the model, and listen to the strange sounds it makes by varying how hard they blow, or at what angle they blow. You can try to vary the sounds by varying the materials used as well.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • plastic cup
  • rubber bands
  • plastic straw
  • your lungs!

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Hearing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Sound

Informal Categories

  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Funding Sources:

  • Harman International
  • NEC Foundation of America
  • National Science Foundation