Place the ruler on the table and pluck it to see and hear vibration. Students can learn about the various ways that pitch can be created. For example,use the ruler again. This time have a shorter portion of the ruler sticking out beyond the table. Pluck it and notice the higher pitch.
Students can learn about volume .
Pluck the ruler harder and softer to hear the change in volume. Students can study classroom musical instruments to determine how the sound is made for each one. Small groups can rotate through stations and fill out forms to report their findings. They can also use a computer program, such as Sound Effects , a Shareware program, Sound View or Sound Vision , both freeware programs, to view the sound waves produced by various sources. Make a Musical Instrument As a final summation of the unit, students can design and make their own instruments.