In this unit, studentss investigate the characteristics of sound. They use tuning forks, slide whistles, strings, and other sound-producing objects to explore these characteristics.
Students learn that sound is caused by vibrations and explore how sound travels.
They learn about the relationship of pitch and volume to the frequency of vibrations. They discover, for example, that they can alter pitch by varying the length or tension of a string. Constructing simple string instruments, they also discover how they can increase the volume of the sound produced by the strings. They also learn about the anatomy and functioning of the human ear. They apply what they learn in the unit by designing and building musical instruments or other sound-producing devices.