A Museum of Science Traveling Program
Now Hear This: The Sound of Science
Description
Now Hear This: The
Sound of Science is an
exciting 60-minute
presentation about the
physics of sound and
vibrations.
Needs
We bring all materials
and equipment, including
a video projector and
screen. Access to 110-
volt electricity is required.
Space Requirements
The program can be presented in assembly-
suitable spaces like gyms, multipurpose rooms,
cafeterias, and auditoriums.
Goals: Vibrations
We establish that sounds
are a kind of vibration
that require a medium to
travel through. In the
vacuum of a bell jar, no air
means no vibration—and
therefore no sound!
Goals: Waves
We demonstrate that
sound is a type of wave,
that can be measured by
both Frequency and
Amplitude.
Goals: Waves
These waves can be
visualized with tools like a
Chladni Plate, which can
also demonstrate the
concept of interference.
Goals: Energy
Sound is demonstrated to
be a kind of energy that
can turn into other kinds,
and vice versa, like with a
Rijke Tube that creates
sound from heat.
Sound and Music
These changes in energy
can be used to create
extraordinary music from a
Theremin or a Musical
Tesla Coil.
Finale
A wine glass is shattered by a sound of the
precise resonant frequency.
Program Details• Can be booked for
school groups.
• Appropriate for third-,
fourth-, fifth- or sixth-
grade students studying
sound and waves.
• A 45-minute introductory
version can be booked
for mixed third- through
sixth-grade groups.
Program Details
• Capacity is eight classes
(200 students) per
session.
• Up to two consecutive
sessions can be taught
per day.
NGSS Connections• 4-PS3-1. Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to
the energy of that object.
• 4-PS3-2. Make observations to show that energy can be transferred from place to
place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
• 4-PS3-4. Apply scientific principles of energy and motion to test and refine a device that
converts kinetic energy to electrical energy or uses stored energy to cause motion or
produce light or sound.
• 4-PS4-1. Develop a model of a simple mechanical wave (including sound) to
communicate that waves (a) are regular patterns of motion along which energy travels
and (b) can cause objects to move.
• 4-PS4-3. Develop and compare multiple ways to transfer information through encoding,
sending, receiving, and decoding a pattern.
• 6.MS-PS4-1. Use diagrams of a simple wave to explain that (a) a wave has a repeating
pattern with a specific amplitude, frequency, and wavelength, and (b) the amplitude of a
wave is related to the energy of the wave.
• 6.MS-PS4-2. Use diagrams and other models to show that both light rays and
mechanical waves are reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through various materials.
NGSS Scientific and Engineering
Practices Incorporated
• Asking questions and defining problems.
• Planning and carrying out investigations.
• Using mathematics and computational thinking.
• Developing and using models.
• Analyzing and interpreting data.
• Constructing explanations and designing solutions.
2017 – 2018 Prices
Modest mileage fees are charged for sites more than 30 miles away.
Sessions per Day Price
1 Session $525
2 Sessions $900
Now Hear This: The Sound of Science
For information/reservations:
mos.org/travelingprograms
617-589-0354
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