Hollow Tubes and the Study of Sound

The study of sound and sound waves increases the visual learning of content and understanding waves through graphical analysis when students use ‘Boomwackers’ or lengths of flexible tubing p... See More

The study of sound and sound waves increases the visual learning of content and understanding waves through graphical analysis when students use ‘Boomwackers’ or lengths of flexible tubing purchased as the hardware store for cleaning outdoor pools; and yes, even long sturdy straws cut to different lengths. This idea bank article is a short but effective guide for the classroom teacher. Do not shy away from trying out this idea; indubitably it will help to guide student understanding of waves and the meaning of frequency and amplitude, especially with sound waves. Teachers have employed similar methods very effectively and it is great to see this idea presented for those new to the concept. If students have access to computers, encourage the study of Boomwacker sounds with RAVEN Lite, a free Interactive Sound Analysis Software from Cornell University.

It is All About the Toy

Who doesn’t like to play with toys? Well purchasing a set of ‘Boomwackers’ is just the thing you need to get your students involved with sound, frequency and resonance. That is you can do t... See More

Who doesn’t like to play with toys? Well purchasing a set of ‘Boomwackers’ is just the thing you need to get your students involved with sound, frequency and resonance. That is you can do this if you can get the students to stop playing with them. The only other tool your need is a sound frequency probe. This is not the cheapest lab but it is lots of learning with lots of fun. The activity is provided and all the reader needs is the tools or the toys or both. Due to the cost this activity might be better carried out as a student assisted demo for a class to save money.