How does sound travel through different mediums? Scholars explore this question by creating and observing sound waves as they learn the difference between transverse and longitudinal wave motion. Using their new knowledge, class members...

Dangle a spring to experiment with vibration and discover if period is dependent on amplitude. Strum a guitar and adjust the strings to compare displacement and sound. Use a Slinky® and guitar strings on a ring stand to uncover the...

Time to witness the effects of sound. Learners analyze different materials to determine their abilities to absorb sound waves. They use free software to monitor the amplitude of the waves to verify results.

Help pupils see the world through the eyes of a mathematician. As they examine tide patterns, sound waves, and stock market patterns using trigonometric functions, learners create scatter plots and write best-fit functions. 

Catch the fast wave. Using a computer simulation, pupils experiment with amplitude, frequency, damping, and tension of a string to determine which affects the speed of the wave. Learners record the observations to determine their...

Students observe a series of demonstrations to illustrate wave movement. In this sound wave instructional activity, students witness how objects create waves when dropped in a dish of water, use a rope and slinky to produce transverse...

Fourth graders examine how sound waves are effected by frequency and pitch. They conduct experiments using tuning forks, rubber bands, balloons, and water, and answer questions about the experiments.

Students assess and apply recurring patterns in natural systems. They evaluate the wave properties of frequency, wavelength, and speed as applied to sound. Students develop a relationship to quantify aspects of wave motion. They predict...

Students observe and identify various waves. In this wave motion lesson plan, student use a Slinky, noise, people, and musical instruments to create waves and observe how each type of wave moves.

Students identify the different parts of a wave. In this physics instructional activity, students explain how animals communicate using sound waves. They discuss the effect of Navy's sonar on dolphins and whales.

Students investigate the form and motion of a wave, and examine the fundamental properties of wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. They discuss the fundamental properties of a wave, and in small groups conduct an experiment involving...

Learners explore the science of sound by considering the characteristics that make unique sounds. Through an interactive simulation, they adjust tension and string size and view the corresponding wavelength and amplitude changes. 

Third graders observe and investigate wave properties and compare the properties of particles and waves. They fill a pie pan half full with water, place a toothpick in the center of the pie pan, then drop a marble into the pan and...

Fifth graders investigate the relation between vibrations and pitch. They observe and discuss an experiment involving a bicycle and a piece of cardboard in the spokes, listen to a comb with cardboard, and listen to various sounds and...

Students view video segments which reveal the parts of sound and what factors control sound. The viewing and post-viewing activities serve to reinforce the video segments using worksheets and hands-out experiments.

Learners design an experiment to analyze the timbre of different instruments. In this physics lesson, students analyze the missing quality in sound. They discuss their results in class.

Students identify trigonometric functions. In this trigonometry lesson plan, students add and subtract trigonometric functions. They add sine and cosine waves and relate it to the real world.

Students investigate the Math behind Musical instruments in this cross-curricular Math lesson on the Native American Flute and waveforms. The lesson can be accomplished in 6 days and includes an extensive materials list for successful...

Students examine the types of earthquakes that occur in Idaho. In groups, they compare and contrast the types of energy released and how they affect the movement of the Earth. To end the lesson plan, they analyze a map showing the...