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Nine Ways You Can Use the Internet to Teach Sound
Nine
Ways You Can Use the Internet to Teach Sound
Dr. Sandra L. Hunt
Looking for ways to break out of the box?--the science kit box? A recent book I came across broadened my view of how I might incorporate the use of the Internet into my science instruction and motivated me to jump on-line. Science on the Internet: A Resource for K-12 Teachers gave me a new slant on what the Internet might do for me and for my students (Ebenezer & Lau, 1999). It also provided a thorough but concise explanation of what the Internet is as well as a step-by-step explanation of how to access the Internet. I also found their descriptions and addresses for wide range of science-related web sites to be very helpful, although a bit out of date (already!).
Until recently I will admit that I felt using the Internet for instructional purposes was not practical. This year, however, the world wide web is finally arriving in our classrooms. This opportunity motivated me to explore what might be out that could supplement my science instruction.
I had already knew that next quarter I would be using the theme of "SOUND" in my third grade class. For this unit I planned to address geography by exploring and making different musical instruments from around the world. In language arts, the students would be writing and recording radio scripts that would require them to create the desired sound effects. Within science we would be studying the production of sound waves and their different properties. I decided to launch a web search to locate sites that might help me better teach how sound waves are produced as well as what the different features of a sound wave are that make each sound unique (i.e., pitch, volume, timbre).
Below is a description of the sound-related sites I located, organized according to nine different categories. Ebenezer and Lau suggested the first eight, and I added the ninth. Additional ways of using the Internet recommended by these authors included using listservs to communicate with other classrooms and using or creating websites to share student projects (e.g., electronic portfolios). Although I did locate a website made by students about the science of sound, unfortunately it was not up and running yet.
- Use the Internet to motivate students.
- Use the Internet to save time.
- Use the Internet to allow students to learn in a self-paced environment.
- Use the Internet to take a virtual trip.
- Use the Internet to gather research on science content.
- Use the Internet to conduct an activity, lab, or experiment.
- Use the Internet to participate in a joint classroom project or work with scientists.
- Use the Internet to ask the experts.
- Use the Internet to get career ideas.
Sometimes students need that extra spark to get their engines humming. Accessing the Internet early in a unit can motivate students by identifying places where students' work can be posted when complete. Other websites expose students to unique problems or provide novel angles on the subject to be studied.
Virtual Museum of Music Inventions (Oak Park School District #97)
A photo gallery of musical instruments created by grade school students around the country may motivate your students to send pictures and written descriptions of their own instruments for posting. This site is a great source of ideas for all manner of decorated music makers. Slow download requires patience!
Science
in Action on the Web (BBC)
Students click on SPOOKY SOUNDS to hear the world's first virtual "Theremin" — an electronic musical instrument, controlled by moving the good Dr. Theremin's hands! (You have to see this for yourself!) Lots of fun science throughout the site, including information on sound waves to get students started.
All this technology is supposed to make our lives easier, right? Bookmark those sites that consistently provide practical information and your online efficiency will improve.
Teaching
about Sound: Tips for Teachers (Oak Park School District #97)
Lesson plans, specific activities, and assignments for teaching an integrated unit on sound and music. Includes suggestions for obtaining free software.
Sophisticated multimedia activities help students explore complex scientific concepts, like wave theory. Earphones recommended and Shockwave plug-in required -- sit back and enjoy the ride, just be sure to wear your seatbelt!
With nine categories of science and math activities, SOUND BEATS challenge students to identify mystery frequencies. Seven other activities explore wave action, including two designed to illustrate the Doppler Effect.
The
Soundry (ThinkQuest)
After reading up on hearing and sound, visit the INTERACTIVE SOUND LAB to explore the physics of sound with a half dozen activities from which to choose.
Let your fingers do the walking. Museums, historic sites, and natural wonders beckon from the virtual world. Theme sites can actually live up to the hype of being a portal to the world.
The
Learning Studio (The Exploratorium Museum)
The Exploratorium is a real place with over 500 interactive hands-on exhibits located in the heart of San Francisco. Their online resources support K-12 science and technology education through rotating exhibitions. Select ONLINE EXHIBITS to access activities, including "hearing exhibits." (Hint: Once inside, click the yellow circle.) Also, check out SCIENCE EXPLORER where "Hear Hear" has some great sounding experiments to do at home or school. Finally, TEN COOL SITES provides an archive of fun educational web sites. The next best thing to being there!
Wondering just what the difference is between amplitude and frequency? Science lovers can find eternal bliss and happiness online with solid explanations of scientific concepts.
Fort
Discovery (The National Science Center)
Teachers (and students) can access this site for science information and hands on activities organized by grade level. The science of sound materials are targeted to 4th-grade students. Materials cover amplitude as well as pitch and relate these concepts to the size and shape of waves. This site may help those students who feel more motivated getting content information online rather than from a text. If your students beg to do the suggested experiments during class, you'll know it was hit.
A multimedia extravaganza, it is not. Mr. Ludwig's explanations, however, can help you deepen your understanding of how sound is created and relayed to the ear as well as how humans experience simple and complex sounds. Take the time to work your way through his well-grounded scientific explanations, and you'll be able to convince your mother you actually did get that degree in engineering. As an added bonus, if you've ever wondered where to position your subwoofer for optimal sound quality, this site's for you!
Safe, efficient, and free -- what more could you want from a lab partner? Experiments that could not possibly be carried out in your classroom can be done online. Below, I've found a site that brings together lots of different sounds that, well, you might not be able to squeeze into your classroom -- unless you're Ms. Frizzle, of course!
The
Magic School Bus Gets An Earful (Scholastic Book Company)
Join Arnold and the gang at a site designed to support the Magic School Bus and its spin-offs. On this particular page, I located an interactive activity that involves identifying sounds called The Magic School Bus Gets an Earful. Definitely for primary school but could be a good model for intermediate students assigned to create a sound game or activity of their own. Check out the online ACTIVITY LAB while you're there.
Reach out and touch someone -- electronically. Sites exist to provide direct support for collaborative efforts among classrooms around the world.
Telecollaborate!
(NickNack)
I did not locate a science of sound project at this site. The online resources, however, are there for teachers to identify and implement almost any collaborative project you could think of. You can also match up your classroom with new or ongoing projects as well.
Hard as it is to believe, sometimes we don't have all the answers. Here's a spot to try when you're stumped.
The MAD Scientist
Network (Washington University)
Scientists from all fields are standing by now, just dial up and they'll be happy to electronically answer your questions about sound waves, radio waves, how the ear works, or any questions of scientific import. So, if you still need help explaining the Doppler Effect -- here's a place to go. It's also a great hotline for those few times when you're too busy to help your own kids with their homework.
The Internet can open up a world of possibilities beyond doctor, lawyer, and — um — teacher. You might even find a few professions you never considered exploring with your students.
Acoustics
and You (A Career in Acoustics?) (The Acoustical Society of America)
One part of this professional association's website describes a range of career options for people interested in the science of sound. If you or your school have a career day, this site is worth visiting. Although it is not a place elementary students could easily navigate, it gives a teacher some new ideas for linking school to work in an area of science many students find interesting.
Although I focused my search on those bits and bytes that specifically support my third grade unit on the science of sound, all of the above sites offer a wealth of information for teaching science. Science on the Internet has broadened my view of how I might incorporate the wealth of information available on the Internet into my science instruction and has motivated me to jump on-line.
In addition to using the Internet for research, Ebenezer and Lau also recommend using listservs to communicate with other classrooms and using or creating websites to share student projects (electronic portfolios, for example). I did locate a student-made website about the science of sound, but unfortunately it was still under construction. I'm not worried, however, because I know there are other student-made science sites out there, and now I know how to find them!
Ebenezer, J.V. & Lau, E. (1999). Science on the Intenet: A Resource for K-12 Teachers. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.
Dr. Sandra L. Hunt earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Speech Communication at the University of Washington in 1996. She began her education career in the mid 1980s, training teachers in a State Department-funded refugee training program in Thailand. Currently, she is student teaching in a third grade classroom with the Seattle School District. She will earn her Master's Degree in Teaching in June, 2001.
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