String Telephones
Students investigate how sound travels through string and air. First, they analyze the sound waves with a paper cup attached to a string. Then, they combine the string and cup with a partner to model a string telephone. Finally, they are given a design challenge to redesign the string telephone for distance. They think about their model as it compares a modern telephone and the impact the invention of the telephone has had on society.
How does sound travel through string and air?Copyright https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/ac/public/P2-32013-2014/uploads/sites/5046/2016/02/SDC13862.jpg
Engineers systematically analyze materials and processes in order to create things for the benefit of humanity and our world. Communications engineers are particularly focused on sound and creating technology to transmit sound long distances with little loss in clarity.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe how sound travels through different media.
- Model and analyze a string telephone.
- Recognize that technology has helped people communicate over long distances.