Sound Automata

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In this activity, learners build their own sound machines and explore the interplay of motion and sound. This engineering activity introduces learners to automata, rotational motion, cranks and cams, simple machines, and sound waves. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 2 clear plastic cups, large
  • 2 bamboo skewers
  • 2 straws
  • 1 sheet of cardboard or foam core
  • 1 bottle cap
  • 1 wire hanger
  • 2-3 metal washers
  • 1 can with a metal bottom
  • wire or string, thin
  • screwdriver
  • scissors
  • hot glue gun
  • utility knife
  • pliers

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Work and Machines
    • Motion and Forces
      • Machines
      • Rotation Motion
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Wave Properties
      • Wave Motion
      • Sound
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Music
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Oakland Discovery Centers

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Oakland Discovery Centers, 2012

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