Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Calls of the Wild: Flies and Stereo

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Explore the characteristics of binaural hearing and discover how two ears are utilized in determining the direction of a sound's origin. Produce auditory illusions by reversing and extending the detection site for each ear.
Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Secret Bells

For Students 9th - 10th
An experiment demonstrating how sound vibrations transmit through metal.
Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Vocal Visualizer

For Students 9th - 10th
Create a vocalizer device out of PVC piping and, with the help of a laser pointer, use it to project a visualization of the sound vibrations you make with it.
Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Conversation Piece

For Students 9th - 10th
Did you know a balloon filled with carbon dioxide can act as an amplifier? In this activity test how sound travels through carbon dioxide molecules.
Article
Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College: Mqed: Computer Music

For Teachers 9th - 10th
The downloadable monograph investigates computer music. Topics included are the MIDI system, waves, synthesizers, coding, and computer music applications.
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Resonance and Standing Waves

For Students 9th - 10th
Educational tutorial features a physics classroom tutorial on natural frequency.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Mysteries of the Universe

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Consider the issues surrounding the world of space exploration including the new fields of archaeoastronomy and astrobiology. Investigate zero gravity, the Big Bang theory, life in space and how sound travels in a vacuum.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Growing Up Different: In Tune

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Explore the science of sound and the human ear, and explain how this applies to the operation of cochlear implants for the deaf. Observe how structures can be "tuned" to respond to different frequencies.
Unit Plan
University of New South Wales (Australia)

University of New South Wales: School of Physics: Physclips: Oscillations

For Students 9th - 10th
Physiclips thoroughly presents wave and sound concepts about oscillations with animations and film clips.
Unit Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Energy

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Through nine lessons, students are introduced to a range of energy types--electrical, light, sound and thermal-as well as the renewable energy sources of wind, hydro (water) and solar power. Subjects range from understanding that the...
Website
University of St. Andrews (UK)

University of St. Andrews: Christian Doppler Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a complete biography of Christian Doppler (1803-1853 CE), founder of the Doppler principle of sound waves. Includes quotes from Doppler and those who knew him, as well as an outline of his scientific achievements.
Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Non Focusing Surfaces

For Students 9th - 10th
This hypertext physics course tutorial on nonfocusing surfaces relates various design principles to good auditorium design. Illustrated.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Wind Chimes

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Using their knowledge of physics, students will build a wind chime. Mathematical computations will be done to determine the length of the pipes.
Activity
NASA

Nasa: Probing Earth Through the Clouds

For Students 3rd - 8th
This site from the National Aeornautics and Space Administration provides a fun activity for the subject. "Clouds often hide large areas of the Earth's surface. We can use radar to make detailed maps of Earth right through clouds or...
Article
University of Kentucky

The Physics and Math of Music

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Read about a math research project done by three college students which helps us see physics and math in music. Here's a great approach for integrating curriculum!
Handout
Other

Architectural Acoustics and Lighting: Room Acoustics

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Architectural Acoustics and Lighting provides a discussion of various factors affecting the acoustics of a given room. Room dimensions, the wavelength of the sound wave, the physical characteristics of the walls, the...
Interactive
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12 Exploration Series: Simulations: Physics: Pan Flute

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] A simulation to learn about wave harmonics in a column of air by looking closely at the sound produced by a pan flute.
Website
PBS

Nova: Seismic Signals

For Students 9th - 10th
Scientists have determined that the earthquakes preceding volcanic eruptions are different than those that precede earthquakes. Discover the sounds and wave patterns produced by the three different types of volcanic seismic activities.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Ultrasound

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia offers information on the basics of ultrasound, "Sound or vibrations with frequencies too high to be audible by the human ear."
Unit Plan
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Forced Vibration

For Students 9th - 10th
This physics tutorial explores forced vibration. Includes links to natural frequency, standing wave patterns and fundamental frequency and harmonics.
Article
University of New South Wales (Australia)

University of New South Wales: Introduction to Acoustics of Brass Instruments

For Students 9th - 10th
Discover the acoustical properties of brass instruments from this well researched site provided by the University of New South Wales. Everything from lip control to bell shape is discussed as it applies to frequencies and harmonics.
Article
University of New South Wales (Australia)

University of New South Wales: Introduction to Clarinet Acoustics

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about how the acoustics of a clarinet work by exploring this well researched site. You'll learn about the frequencies, the effects of the reed, the tone holes and more.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: You're the Expert

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Student teams learn about and devise technical presentations on four reproductive technology topics pregnancy ultrasound, amniocentesis, in-vitro fertilization or labor anesthetics. Each team acts as a panel of engineers asked to make a...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Beating the Motion Sensor

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Lighting is responsible for nearly one-third of the electricity use in buildings. One of the best ways to conserve energy is to make sure the lights are turned off when no one is in a room. This process can be automated using motion...

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