Screaming String Thing
Source Institutions
-
WGBH
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In this simple and fun activity, learners discover the relationship between vibration and sound by making a squeaky toy instrument out of simple household materials. Participants explore how increasing and decreasing friction on a string changes the sound of a pitch. They also experience how sound is amplified. Learners can expand the activity by linking their string things to create a "telephone" or making different instruments from other recycled materials.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity
- English, Spanish
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- paper or plastic cups
- large paper clips
- cotton string
- scissors
- sharpened pencil
- tape
- water
- dishwashing liquid
Subjects
- Life Sciences
- Human Senses and Perception
- Hearing
- Human Senses and Perception
- Physical Sciences
- Motion and Forces
- Machines
- Vibration and Waves
- Wave Motion
- Sound
- Motion and Forces
- The Nature of Technology
- The Design Process
- Invention and Innovation
- Problem Solving
- The Design Process
Informal Categories
- Arts and Crafts
- Music
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- hear
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- WGBH
Source Collection:
- FETCH! With Ruff Ruffman
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2009
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0813513
- Public television viewers
