teaching resource

Sound Energy Project (Rubber Band Musical Instruments)

Updated: 16 Nov 2023

Use this sound energy experiment to help your students visualize sound using everyday items.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 3 Pages
Grades: 1 - 2

Curriculum

Science 1.6(A)

Identify and discuss how different forms of energy such as light, thermal, and sound are important to everyday life;
Science 2.6(A)

Investigate the effects on objects by increasing or decreasing amounts of light, heat, and sound energy such as how the color of an object appears different in dimmer light or how heat melts butter;

teaching resource

Sound Energy Project (Rubber Band Musical Instruments)

Updated: 16 Nov 2023

Use this sound energy experiment to help your students visualize sound using everyday items.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 3 Pages
Grades: 1 - 2

Use this sound energy experiment to help your students visualize sound using everyday items.

🔍 Discovering Sound Energy with Rubber Bands

This sound energy activity exploring vibrations and resonance of rubber bands is designed by our teacher team for individual students, pairs, or small groups, making it adaptable to various classroom settings. You could even use this project as a rotation, or demonstrate it yourself as a whole-group lesson.

How to Conduct Your Sound Energy Lesson

All you’ll need for this project is the resource template, which you can download in printable PDF or Google Slides formats, and a rubber band and paper cup for each student, group or pair! Before you begin, it may be a good idea to stress the importance of securely attaching the rubber bands to the cup before flicking to ensure a safe and controlled experiment.

From there, just follow these simple steps (which are also outlined on the project page for your students to read and follow):

1. Place the rubber band around the cup, ensuring it goes underneath the base and across the top opening.
2. Pull and release (or flick) the rubber band. Observe and listen keenly – what sounds do you hear? What visual effects can you detect?
3. Investigate different ways of pulling or flicking the rubber band. Document your observations through writing or drawing.
4. If resources permit, try using rubber bands of different sizes or experimenting with various cups. Remember, change only one variable at a time to observe the impact.

Encourage Students to Make and Record Their Observations

Encourage students to reflect on the activity’s outcomes. How does this experiment allow them to ‘see’ sound? Prompt them to consider the visual and auditory aspects, fostering a deeper understanding of the connection between vibrations and the perception of sound.

This resource not only engages students in a fascinating exploration of sound but also encourages scientific inquiry and critical thinking. Dive into the world of rubber band resonance and empower your students to unravel the mysteries of sound waves in a fun and interactive way!

On the Lookout For More Great Sound Energy Lesson Ideas?

Curriculum

Science 1.6(A)

Identify and discuss how different forms of energy such as light, thermal, and sound are important to everyday life;
Science 2.6(A)

Investigate the effects on objects by increasing or decreasing amounts of light, heat, and sound energy such as how the color of an object appears different in dimmer light or how heat melts butter;

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