Introduction
In this experiment, you will create sounds with boomwhackers to learn about the science of sound.
Task
To complete this experiment:
1) Put the boomwhackers in order from smallest to tallest. With your group, tap each one on your hands, going in order. What do you notice about the pitches? Which has the highest/lowest pitches?
2) Now explore boomwhackers that have the same colors. What do you notice about their sounds? How do they compare? What do you notice about their sizes? How do they compare (what is the ratio of the boomwhackers of the same color?)
3. Now, try this: Take a boomwhacker to a place where there is some noise. Put the boomwhacker up to your ear, gently. What do you hear? Now put the tube tightly to your ear to create a closed tube. How does the sound compare? What conclusions can you draw from this? Reconvene and discuss with your group.
Evaluation
Check out the first two minutes of this video to check and see if your group's conclusions match:
Now are you ready to play some tunes? Here is some motivation:
You can try the chorus to Call Me Maybe with your groupmates. You will need someone who reads music! Ask your instructors if you need assistance:
Here are a few other songs to try that are color-coded. See if you can figure them out:
And another:
and one more:
Conclusion
And finally, here is some information on how the boomwhackers produce sound, from a scientific perspective (material from http://www.arborsci.com/media/datasheet/P7-7400_DS.pdf)
