Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Good Vibrations


Anyone humming a Beach Boys tune now after that title? :)

Well, for the six people who might ever read this blog anymore since I am so delinquent, I wanted to share some fun with you.

I recently got this book for Lawton, 100 Science Experiments that you can get from this website, :), and we have been having so much fun. This particular experiment really tickled our fancy so I thought I would pony up and share with everyone.


Here's what you need: a bowl, saran wrap, tissue paper and a booming radio. ;)

Here's why you should do it: To visually see that all sounds are made by vibrations in the air. These vibrations reach your ear and make your eardrum vibrate, which makes you be able to hear sounds.

Here's how you do it:

1. Stretch a piece of plastic wrap as tightly as you can across a large bowl.

2. Wad up a few tiny pieces of tissue paper and spread them over the plastic wrap. Set the bowl next to a speaker.

3. Play some music. Start low and gradually get louder. Pump up the volume!! . . . Pump up the jam, pump it up, while your feet are stompin', and the jam is pumpin' . . . anyone have this humming in your head now? You're welcome.

4. Play different types of music, rock out, and watch what happens!

And here's a little video below to show you what happens if you don't do it yourself. . .

Here are a few disclaimers to know before you watch.

  1. I have loathed these 1970's speakers for our entire 9 3/4 years of marriage. They came in handy for this experiment, though. Bose anyone?
  2. Never mind Carolina's crusty macaroni and cheese face. It was right after dinner and she got in the bath very shortly after.
  3. How you see my husband is how I see him. With two remotes in his hands - all the time. ha! Love you!

Don't you definitely want to watch now? :)


sound vibrations from Laura Beth High on Vimeo.

3 comments:

  1. FUN!!! Used to do this in my science classes and the kids LOVED it. Tuning forks are so fun.

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  2. Yeah, you started singing along with Head to Toe didn't you? Oh yeah. I did too.

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  3. Thanks! I work at a Montessori preschool in Sweden I read your blog and use your tips.

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