Physics of Sound
Investigation 2
Part 3
Tension and Pitch
Students affect pitch by changing the tension on the string of the Minigutbucket and the FOSS-ulele.
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3. Lesson set up and Management
Wave Behavior: Describe experiences with sound, for example, vibrations, echoes, and pitch. (PC01 1.1.3)
We can affect the pitch of a string by changing the tension on the string.
More tension equals faster vibrations and a higher pitch.
Less tension equals slower vibrations and a lower pitch.
3. Lesson set up and Management
Materials:
These explorations are very similar in structure to the Long Gong and Tuning Fork only students will be exploring the affects of tension on pitch. Teachers usually find it worth their while to prepare all of the necessary materials ahead of time.
You will need to have the Student Sheet Nos. 10 and 11 called The Minigutbucket and The FOSS-ulele copied ahead of time.
Have designated areas for the materials and ask the students to rotate to those areas rather than move the materials.
Student Management:
Introduce the materials without demonstrating. Share how to attach the Minigutbucket and how to move the plastic cup on the FOSS-ulele.
After students have had time for their explorations be sure to ask them to record their observations. Ask students to share their observations before assigning the Student Sheet No. 10 called Good Vibrations.
Writing:
Use Student sheets Nos. 10, 11 and 12.