Perfect Pitches with a Rubber Band Guitar
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
100 minutes
Total Time
100 minutes
Area of Science
Physics
Music
Key Concepts
Sound wave, Frequency, Amplitude
Learning Objectives
- Draw and identify wave patterns with varying wave characteristics such as different frequencies and amplitudes.
- Describe how wave characteristics such as frequency and amplitude correspond to sound pitch and sound volume.
- Understand how to generate high/low pitch notes with varying volumes using a string instrument.
Credits
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
![]() Two sharpies lie parallel to each other on either side of a hole cut into the lid of a cardboard box. A rubber band holds the sharpies in place and stretches directly over the hole in the box. When the rubber band is plucked sound is produced and is recorded on a nearby smartphone. OverviewWe are surrounded by sounds every day, ranging from unpleasant ones like traffic noise to enjoyable ones like music or singing birds. What makes these sounds different? Why are some louder or higher pitched than others? In this lesson plan, your students will investigate how the properties of a sound wave, like frequency and amplitude, affect the sounds we hear. They will do this using Google's Science Journal app and a homemade musical instrument—a rubber band guitar!NGSS AlignmentThis lesson helps students prepare for these Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectations:
Materials![]() Materials for teacher:
Materials per group of students:
Reviews |
Grade Range
6th-8th
Group Size
2-3 students
Active Time
100 minutes
Total Time
100 minutes
Area of Science
Physics
Music
Key Concepts
Sound wave, Frequency, Amplitude
Credits
Svenja Lohner, PhD, Science Buddies
Learning Objectives
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