Sounds are all around you, but do you really know what makes sound, and how to change sound? In this mini-webquest you'll watch video clips and explore activities on web pages to learn more about sound. The information you learn from this activity will help you when you have to design a musical instrument as part of your unit on sound. If you do not have the handout for this activity, click here, and then print it out.
Before you click on the link for the video clips be sure that your headphones are plugged into the computer, and that you have them on. If you do not hear sound once the videos start, make sure the volume is turned up on your computer, and on your headphones.
Click on the link below to view the Sound WebQuest Video Clips from Discovery Streaming. You will use the information gained from those clips to answer questions about sound.
Caution: Do not click the button on the video page that says, "Complete Assignment," or you won't be able to get back to the videos.
Go to: http://assignments.discoveryeducation.com/?cdPasscode=TD2FE-9D74
|
Click on the link for the “How is Sound Made” clip. Carefully watch and listen to the clip. Now answer the questions below. Play the clip again if you are not sure of an answer. 1. If something does not vibrate, will it still make a sound? Why or why not? 2. Draw a picture of the way sound waves move from an object 3. How could you teach a deaf child about sound vibrations, since they can’t hear sounds? |
Click on the link for the “How Do Sound Waves Travel Through Different Materials?” clip. Carefully watch and listen to the clip. 1. Place the items below in order of how sound best travels, starting with the slowest and ending with the fastest [ wood ] [ air ] [ water ]
2. Imagine that the next pair of astronauts to walk on the moon brings a set of drums, and a guitar with them. They set up to play, and a third astronaut makes a recording with her camcorder. Describe the types of sounds you would hear, and why that would happen. |
Click on the link for the “Sound Waves Can Bounce” video clip. Carefully watch and listen to the clip. Based on what you’ve just learned, answer the questions below. 1. Your school gym or cafeteria can be a noisy place. Why do voices echo in them? 2. Think up a creative way to reduce the echo without asking people to stop talking, or to not talk as loudly. Describe your plan; be sure to include a list of needed materials. |
1. Now go learn about pitch here: http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/oceanodyssey/flash/concepts/pitch.htm 2. Then answer the questions here: http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/oceanodyssey/flash/tests/questions/pitch.htm 3. Go read about loudness here: http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/oceanodyssey/flash/concepts/loudness.htm 4. Test yourself here: http://www.engineeringinteract.org/resources/oceanodyssey/flash/tests/questions/loudness.htm 5. Finally, use the knowledge you have gained about pitch and loudness to answer this: One of the guitarists in a rock band is having trouble with the pitch and volume of her guitar. How can the guitarist adjust the pitch? How can she control the volume? |
| Wait! You're not done yet! Go watch the video clip "Making Your Own Musical Instrument." You will soon be asked to make one, so you'll want to learn all that you can about it. |
Extension: Experiment with the jingles here: http://www.lhs.berkeley.edu/shockwave/jar.html. Now create your own, and write down the directions so a classmate can produce the same jingle. |
Last Updated: October 8, 2008
© Plainville Community Schools, Plainville, CT