We constantly hear sounds and react to them without even being aware of the interaction. We heard the doorbell and go to check who’s at the door. We wait for the introductory tone as we switch on the computer to know that the operating system has loaded. We listen to the beeps from the washing machine and know that the clothes are done and need to be removed from the machine. Here is a fun experiment that you can conduct with your children to explain the concept of sound.
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Turn to the Drum
This works best if you have about four or five people. All participants except for the drummer are to be blindfolded and made to stand in the middle of the room. Now the drummer is to beat the drum twice and the blindfolded participants must turn to the place they hear the sound coming from. The drummer will then change his position and beat the drum again and the rest must turn in the direction the sound comes from.
Variation in the activity
Repeat this a few times and then let the drummer change positions and not beat the drum. The supervising adult must then ask where the drummer is stationed. The children will be able to tell the position accurately as the drummer would have made some noise getting to his current location. Then ask the drummer to change positions again, this time the drummer will be careful not to make any sound as he changes positions. Now ask the children where the drummer is and they will not be able to pinpoint his location.
Explain the concept
Once they have had some fun with the drummer, or even at taking turns being the drummer you can explain the concept of sound to them. How we hear sound through the sense organ ear, and how sound is supposed to travel in waves are good initial discussions to have. Have them make different kinds of sounds using their voices, or different things lying around the homeschool classroom. Help them understand that there are a number of different types of sounds. It will be an interesting initiation.
Article Inspiration: About Homeschooling
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