A Learning Activity is a strategy a teacher chooses to actively
engage students in learning a concept or skill using a digital tool/resource.
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Phase:
During/Explore/Explain
Activity:
Begin by playing the Vibration of Sound video as a review or introduction to sound waves.
Pass out cups containing rubber bands of three different widths (or gauges). Instruct students to place the bands around the cups stretching from the top to the bottom. Some students will not have enough dexterity to do this on their own and will need help. Take the time to discuss safety while using rubber bands.
Allow students time to experiment with the bands and try out the different sounds by plucking each band individually. I have students hold the cups close to their ears so they can hear the sounds clearly and remind them to hold the sides of the rubber bands around the cup as they pluck so they do not come off.
Ask students which band is the lowest and why. Highest? Why? Discuss how the width (or gauge) of the band affects the sound.
Ask students what they think they could do to make a single band sound higher or lower.
Discuss how tension affects the sound and how to add tension to the bands on their cups by pulling it tighter or looser across the top of the cup.
Allow students time to experiment with the tension of the bands.
Have students work with a partner, to create a simple melody on their stringed instrument and perform for the class.
Assessment Strategies:
Ask students to play their lowest band. Ask them how they know this band is the lowest. Continue with highest. Ask students what needs to be done in order to make their lowest band sound higher. Ask them to show you how to make it higher. Continue with how to make it lower.
Advanced Preparation:
Gather enough sturdy plastic cups and rubber bands in three different widths for your class. Place one of each size band in each cup prior to class to save time. I use stacking cups that I borrow from the PE department.
Variation Tips (optional):
If you have a stringed instrument, show the instrument to the students and talk to them about the different widths (gauges) of the strings and how using the tuning pegs changes the tension of the strings.