cool sound experiments

7 Cool Sound Science Experiments for Kids

Nov. 19, 2018

When it comes to science experiments, some of the most enjoyable involve the science of sound. If you’re looking to dazzle your little learner with exciting new experiments, look no further than simple sound science experiments that use everyday household items to bring sound to life. Let’s explore 7 riveting ideas to discover the science behind sound! Watch educational videos with scientific experiments and show them to your child.

The Classic Paper Cup and String Phone

A much-loved childhood project, the paper cup phone is much more than a fun and old-fashioned way for kids to communicate throughout the house. This elementary sound science project shows kids how sound waves can travel through a string and be converted back to audible sound at the opposite end. 

Supplies Needed: 

• 2 paper cups
• Long string, like fishing line, kite string
• A sharp pencil or needle to poke holes in the cups

What to Do: 

1. Start by cutting a long piece of string of at least 50 feet. 

2. Poke a small hole at the bottom of each cup. 

3. Using each end of the string, thread it through the bottoms of the cups, tying a large knot so that the string does not fall out of the cup. If you make the holes too large, use a washer or paper clip to hold the string in place so that it does not pull out of the cup. 

4. Move into position and encourage your child to move away from you so that the string is far enough to make it tight. Be sure that the string does not touch any other object and that it remains suspended in air as you complete the experiment. 

5. Taking turns, talk into the cup, while the other person listens by putting the cup to their ear. Tell your child to repeat what he or she hears after you have spoken and do the same in return! 

After the experiment, explain to your child what is happening: sound waves created by talking through the cup travel through the line to the other end, converting back to sound on the opposite side! 

Make Music with a Straw Pan Flute

Perfect for younger children, the following sound waves experiment not only involves creating a fun musical instrument your child could play with, but teaches kids how length can affect the pitch of sound waves. 

Supplies Needed:  

• At least 9 or 10 straws, more if desired! 
• Clear gift wrap tape

1. Take the straws and line them up side-by-side and cut them at an angle at the top. 

2. Tape the straws together to make a pan flute. 

3. Instruct your child to blow through the straws. Which straws make higher and lower pitches? Why? 

Feel free to use more straws and experiment with different lengths to produce different pitches and sounds! Ask your child to explain what happens to the sound the shorter a straw is cut, and create double pan flutes to make harmonies to further explore how length alters the pitch. 

Listen to Sounds Travel Underwater

Sound travels well through air, but it travels even better through water! This easy sound experiment for kids can be done in a jiffy out on the back porch. 

• A bucket filled with water
• A large plastic water or soda bottle 
• At least 2 kitchen knives
• Scissors or sharp knife to cut the bottle

1. After filling the bucket with water, take a sharp knife or kitchen shears and help your child cut off the bottom of the plastic water bottle. Be sure that the cap is taken off of the bottle. 

2. Instruct your child to place the bottle in the water so that the cut bottom is in the water. Your child will then put his or her ear to the top of the bottle to listen. 

3. Using the kitchen knives, clang them together to make a sound, but do this in the bucket as your child is listening. What does your child hear? 

Your child has probably noted that the sound of the clanging is loud and clear. Water travels faster through water than in the air, and animals that live underwater are able to hear sound clearly. Discuss the results with your child, to teach him or her more about the conduction of sound waves through water. 

See the Sound

Sound vibrations travel through air, water, and even solid objects, but it’s not possible to see the waves. What if we could see the waves in another way? This science of sound experiment makes sound more visible by forcing objects to react to the sound vibrations. 

• Empty clear mixing bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Large rubber band
• Sugar crystals- Sugar in the Raw works great, or make sugar crystals in another science experiment!

1. Wrap a sheet of plastic wrap over the mixing bowl so that it’s taut, and secure with the large rubber band. Be sure that the plastic wrap is tight and does not sag. 

2. Place a few of the sugar crystals on the top of the plastic wrap, placing them in the middle of the wrap. 

3. Instruct your child to get close to the sugar crystal and say something loudly! What happens to the crystals? Do they move? 

4. Experiment with louder and softer words or sentences to watch the sugar crystals react to the sound vibrations! 

While your child might think it’s his or her breath making the crystals jump and move, but it’s actually the sound vibrations. Try different sounds besides ordinary speech and see how the crystals come to life!

Make a Stick Harmonica

Making musical instruments are easy and fun, and they teach kids about sound waves and pitch. This experiment is much like the pan flute above, but kids can alter the pitch by sliding the straws without reassembling the harmonica. 

• 2 large craft sticks
• 1 wide rubber band
• 2 smaller rubber bands 
• 1 plastic drinking straw

1. Using the scissors, cut the straw into 2 one-inch pieces and set aside. 

2. Take the wide rubber band and stretch it length-wise around one of the jumbo craft sticks and place one of the straw pieces under the rubber band, close to the edge on one end.

3. Take the other craft stick and place it directly on top of the craft stick with the rubber band. Secure them together at the ends using the small rubber bands. 

4. Finally, take the last piece of straw and place it in the harmonica between the sticks on the opposite end from the other, but this piece should be fit above the wide rubber band instead of below it. 

5. Encourage your child to play the harmonica by blowing in the center of the harmonica! Explore different pitches by moving the straw pieces!

After playing the harmonica, don’t forget to complete the sound experiment by talking about the mechanics of the harmonica. The vibrating rubber band makes all the noise, and the closer the straw pieces are to the center of the harmonica, the higher the pitch will be due to the shortened length of the band! 

Experimenting with Sound Waves

It might be hard to imagine that sound waves can travel through solid objects as well as through the air. This simple but exciting sound waves science activity will demonstrate for your child how sound can and does indeed travel through solid objects!

• Metal kitchen spoon- a large metal measuring spoon works great! 
• At least 30 inches of kite string

1. Stretch out the string and tie the handle of the spoon in the middle of the string.

2. Take one end of the string and tie around your child’s pointer finger. Do the same using the other end, but tie this string around the pointer finger of your child’s opposite hand. 

3. Instruct your child to put his or her fingers, with the string wrapped around each, into their ears. 

4. Help your child lean over so the spoon dangles and help him or her swing the spoon so it hits a nearby door or wall. 

5. Hit the door or wall again, but this time with more force. What does your child hear? 

Your child should hear a bell-like sound travel up the string from the spoon and into their ears. Discuss with your child how the sound waves created from the spoon hitting the door moves through the string until he or she is able to hear it!  

Xylophone Water Jars

Musical instruments are so much fun to make! This sound activity teaches children how varying levels of water in containers change the pitch of the sound created. 

• 4 empty and clean baby food jars 
• 4 different colors of food coloring

1. Help your child fill each jar with varying amounts of water. 

2. Add a few drops of food coloring to each jar. 

3. Using the mallet, instruct your child to firmly tap the outside of each jar. What sounds are being made? Which jars have the highest or lowest pitch? 

Encourage your child to hypothesize why some jars emit a lower sound, while others are higher. Play around with the water levels in each jar and experiment with pitch! 

Do you want to teach your children more about sound or other science topics?

You can do it quickly and easily through our brand new Kids Academy Classroom tool! Go to our science lessons section and click the "Assign to Classroom" button under the needed lesson.

You'll find yourself in the Kids Academy Classroom interactive space where you can edit the lesson by adding and replacing activities or share it with your young scientists as it is. 

Or go directly to the Classroom page and create any classroom you want in a couple of clicks! After students complete the lesson, you'll get access to a report about their performance. Check out our  Classroom Guide article  for more information!

Now that you have 7 cool ideas for exciting sound science experiments, it’s time to get started! Your child will love learning all about the science of sound and the endlessly fascinating ways sound waves can travel through air, water, and objects. Don’t forget to check out our science worksheets and activities to supplement your child’s learning in between all your child’s experiments!

Related Articles

Cancel anytime

You'll be able to manage the favorite spreadsheets list.

You’ll be able to hide/mark the accomplished tasks.

• School / District Account
• Family Account
• 2 PDF worksheets per day
• Interactive worksheets
• Targeted ads
• KidsAcademy ads

$ 1.99 / month

• Printable and interactive worksheets
• Learning videos
• Ad-free browsing

$9.99 / month

• 7000+ online learning activities
• Curriculum created by education experts!

Top 10 Sound Experiments: Fun & Easy

Sound, an intrinsic part of our lives, is more than just a medium for communication and entertainment. It is a fascinating scientific concept, offering insights into how energy travels and interacts with our environment.

This carefully curated selection is designed for learners of all ages, covering fascinating topics like vibration, sound waves, pitch, and resonance. These hands-on, educational experiments will not only amplify your understanding of the science of sound but also strike a chord with your innate curiosity.

We hope you enjoy this compilation of sound experiments and that it inspires you to continue exploring the wonders of science.

1. How to See Sound Experiment

The How to See Sound experiment is a fascinating way to explore the relationship between sound waves and visual patterns.

The How to See Sound experiment is a fun and insightful experience that is likely to pique your interest, whether you’re a scientific enthusiast, an artist, or just someone who enjoys discovering the wonders of the world around you.

2. Glass Bottle Xylophone

Seeking an innovative and entertaining technique to learn more about the science of sound? With the help of the Glass Bottle Xylophone experiment, students can build their own musical instrument and learn about the fundamentals of sound.

3. Singing Spoons

Do you want to learn more about the science of sound in a playful and imaginative way? Using just a few spoons, the Singing Spoons experiment is a fascinating and fun project that you should try.

4. Make a Straw Oboe

Make your own musical instrument by cutting a straw to a specific length and blowing across the top to create different notes. Experiment with different straw lengths to produce different pitches.

5. Create a Thunder Drum!

Creating a thunder drum is a unique and exciting way to explore the properties of sound and can help students understand these concepts in a more tangible way.

6. Musical Wine Glasses

The musical wine glass experiment is a fun and easy way to explore the science of sound and create your own musical instrument. By filling wine glasses with different amounts of water and tapping them with a spoon, you can produce a range of musical notes and create your own melodies.

7. Tuning Fork Resonance Experiment

The tuning fork experiment is an established representation of how resonance and frequency work in the study of sound.

Students can see and measure the effects of resonance and frequency in this experiment by experimenting with various objects and tuning forks of different frequencies.

A hands-on introduction to the fundamental concepts of sound and waves is provided by this simple yet interesting experiment.

8. The Doppler Effect with Sound

Through the use of sound waves generated by a moving sound source, students can investigate the Doppler effect in this experiment.

Students can learn about the Doppler effect and its use in disciplines like astronomy and radar technology through this exercise in an useful and fascinating way.

9. Soundproofing Experiment 

Students can learn about the science of soundproofing and its importance in building pleasant and effective surroundings through this project, which is a practical and hands-on learning experience.

10. Standing Waves

With the help of this experiment, students can learn about the fundamentals of wave interference and resonance as well as how these ideas are used in real-world situations.

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
• Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Top 40 Fun LEGO Science Experiments

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment.

5 Sound Wave Experiments for Kids

This post may contain affiliate links.

Teaching little ones about the 5 senses can be so much fun!  Today I want to show you some fun and easy sound wave experiments you can do with your kids!

Sound Wave Experiments for Kids:

Following are five fun sound wave experiments you can make at home with just a few simple supplies. Your kids or students will love them.   If you are teaching about the human body and how ears work, or maybe have a lesson on the five senses, I am sure you will find one of these that will work perfectly for you!

Experiment  #1  The Magic Ear Trick

The first sound wave experiment is this magic ear trick.   This sound trick makes you think the sound is coming from the opposite direction from where it really is coming from. It tricks your brain!  We saw this at a science museum a few years back and my kids had so much fun with it that we wanted to try to recreate it at home.

To make it, you need small tubing (I got this fish tank tubing ), two small plastic funnels and a piece of PVC pipe or paper towel tube.

Attach a funnel to the end of each piece of tubing. We secured ours with duct tape .

Put the tubing through the pipe with each one going in the opposite direction.

Place the end pieces in each ear.

Have someone talk into the different funnels. You could move it up behind their head so they don’t know which one you are talking into. Then let them guess which side you are talking on. It will be the opposite ear from where you are making it like a magic trick!

It’s really funny to watch kids faces when they hear it. I love his confused look in that picture above!  It got my son laughing so hard that he could not tell where the noise was coming from!

What’s Happening?

The sound is traveling through the tubes, Your brain thinks the one on the right will be heard in the right ear, but it is the opposite!  It tricks your mind and confuses you!

Sound Wave Experiment #2 The Ringing Fork on a String

For this simple sound wave experiment you just need a fork or a spoon tied onto a piece of yarn.  Make sure the yarn is long enough to hang down from your ears to around your chest or stomach.  Tie the fork right in the center of the piece of yarn or string.

Now, tuck the ends of the yarn into your ears and tap the fork on an object. You will hear a large gonging sound or a ringing in your ears!  The funny thing about this is that nobody else hears it like you do.  And everyone is shocked at how loud the sound is!

The Science Behind It:

When the fork hits another surface it will vibrate.  These vibrations make the air around it move, too.  These are sound waves! The vibrations, or sound waves, move up the string and allow your ears to hear it. Sound travels best through a solid object, no the air.

Sound Wave Experiment #3 Make a Cup and String Phone

This is a great classic experiment that’s been around as long as I can remember. But it is still so much fun to do with young kids!   You need two plastic or paper cups and a long piece of string or yarn.

Poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup.  Put the string through the holes and tie knots on the inside to keep the string in place.  Do this with both cups.

Now pull the string tight- it needs to be tight for the phone to work and the sound waves to be able to travel through the string. On person puts the phone to his or her ear and the other to their mouth. Whisper or talk quietly into the cup and the other person will hear the sound of your voice in the cup!

My kids like to make two to use at once, then they can both talk and listen without switching the cups back and forth.

When we talk, our vocal cords vibrate beginning the motion of the sound waves.  Our ears have tiny hairs inside that pick up those sound wave vibrations and send them to our brain to translate.  When you talk through the phone, the string carries those waves from one cup to the other allowing us to hear each other!

Experiment #4 Make a Buzzing Bug Noisemaker

This is a fun experiment!  You can find all of the instructions to make it here:  Sound Experiment: Buzzing Bug Noisemaker Toy

This buzzing bug noisemaker simulates the sound of insect wings that bus when they fly.  It’s simple to make and kids love playing with them! You just spin them around and listen to them buzz.

Sound Wave Experiment #5  Seeing Sound Waves~ Dancing Sugar

This is an easy experiment to put together and a great visual for seeing how sound waves work!

Put a phone in a glass.  Turn on some loud music with a lot of great bass.  Cover the glass with plastic wrap and sprinkle some  grains of sugar on top of the plastic wrap.  You will be able to see the sugar dance!  It is really cool.

Now explain to the kids how this works!  The vibrations from the sound waves are making the sugar move.

Expand this lesson on ears and sound  by reading The Ear Book by Al Perkins with your kids. It’s such a fun one!

Want more sensory activities for the 5 senses? Check these ones out:

• Try this Guess the Spice Activity for the sense of smell.
• Try this Tapioca Pearl Sensory Play activity for the sense of touch.
• Try a Cake Chemistry Experiment for the sense of taste.
• Try Color Mixing with Light for the sense of sight.
• Five Senses Activities for Kids

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

Similar Posts

Potty Training- How to Keep Those Bums Clean!

Thanksgiving Turkey Tag

Electric Toothbrush Painting

Free printable constellation cards.

The Doll People ~ Clothespin Doll Craft

180+ Summer Boredom Busters for Kids

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Science Experiments with Sound: 8 Fun Activities for Kids

Sound is all around us, traveling in invisible waves. Since we can’t see it, we often take sound for granted. Today we’re doing some science experiments with sound. We’ll have some fun learning how sounds waves vibrate, how we can affect the vibrations, and how this affects what we hear. Listen up & let’s explore!

Jump to your favorite science experiment with sound: Sound Vibrations on a Flat Surface Drinking Glass Bells Cup and String Phone Big Box Bass Sound Tubes Stretched Strings Pipe Organ with Cardboard Tubes Soundproofing

Sound Vibrations on a Flat Surface

Here’s an easy science activity with sound we can do using items you most likely have in your kitchen. We’re going to see how sound waves cause vibrations and the affect this has on objects. You’ll need a few household items:

The plastic acts in much the same way as your eardrum.  When sound waves hit your eardrum, they cause it to vibrate.  In the case of your eardrum, it’s sending those vibrational signals to your brain instead of bouncing grains of salt like we have on our plastic. We found watching the rice move easier than the salt or sugar.

Drinking Glass Bells

Depending on the size of your glasses, we may need to mix and match different size glasses to find the range of a whole octave.  There are a number of factors that affect the tone and pitch, like the size and thickness of the glass.  If you don’t have enough glasses on hand, that’s fine; don’t let that stop you.  Musicians have written songs and made entire careers of just a few notes!  use what you have and make some music.

Notice how the amount of water in each glass affects the pitch.  Less water makes a lower pitch, while more water creates a higher pitch.  Why do you think that is?

Cup and String Phone

This is a classic, and can be done with plastic cups or tin cans. It’s a great way to experiment with how sound vibrations can travel. We had some plastic cups, which are easier to punch holes in, so this is what we used. Here’s what you’ll need:

Related Posts: Check out our full posts on plastic cup projects and activities with household objects for some fun things to do with items you probably already have around the house. Great no-prep ideas for you and your child!

Big Box Bass

Plucking the string causes it to vibrate.  The inside of the box is a resonating chamber, and the hold you cut in the top is a sound hole; much like an acoustic guitar.  The tighter the string, the higher the pitch that will be produced.  The more slack, the lower the pitch.

We found the box needed some weight inside the box to hold it down while playing it. Free weights, a few bricks, or whatever you can fit inside the sound hole should do the trick. Push down a bit on the broomstick as you play so it is secure on the bottom. Make sure there is tension on the string as you pluck it. Try plucking it and shifting the broomstick so it’s looser or tighter to get some good twangs out of the string.

Sound Tubes

What’s Happening?

As the tube spins, the pressure lowers in the swinging end.  The difference in pressure between the two ends of the tube causes air to travel through the tube from the end being held to the end that is swinging.  The high pressure air in the fixed end travels through the tube to the low pressure area.  The faster the tube spins, the greater the pressure.  The air moves faster and increases the pitch.

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in these, get a larger pack .  Our kids loved these so much they crinkled them to death, to the point where we couldn’t collapse some of them anymore.  They’re great to play with, but will only survive so long.

Stretched Strings

Stringed instruments are capable of producing a wide range of pitches.  We’re going to create a simple exercise with one string to experiment with how this concept works.

The popsicle stick in this case is like the bridge on a guitar or violin.  Adding or removing weight from the bucket is similar to adjusting the tuners.  It changes the tension on the string which results in a change in pitch.  More tension makes the pitch higher, and less tension gives a lower pitch.  This simple principle is what makes stringed instruments work.

What do you think would happen if you tried a thicker fishing line or different string?  How would it affect the sound?

Pipe Organ with Cardboard Tubes

DIY Soundproofing

We’re going to look at two major factors: Materials and Shape. Have you ever noticed how some rooms or spaces echo sound and some do not? The surface materials have much to do with how sound waves travel within that space. Materials like tile or concrete reflect the sound, while softer materials like carpeting or foam absorb the sound.

This is why bathrooms or stairwells seem to have echos, while recording studios tend to use foam tiles that look like egg crates. We’re going to use these principles to build a sound proof box, similar in theory to this:

The sound is dampened by the egg carton and towels.  The materials are soft, and absorb the sound instead of reflecting it.  The surface of the egg carton is uneven and reflects the sound at a number of angles, weakening it. 

Science Experiments with Sound – Wrap Up

With some simple experiments for kids, we learned some of the principles that go into designing many musical instruments and had some fun playing (and making noise.) The kids liked how changing the length of a string or swinging a sound tube faster changed the sound. They also loved to learn that they were in control of it.   The idea that their actions change what they hear is powerful. I was surprised how big of a hit the Big Box Bass was, and how that lead to questions about my bass guitar. Once we did the Drinking Glass Bells every dinnertime has had a special performance. Which sound experiment or activity was your favorite?

More Fun Activities

Looking for more STEM Projects and Activities? Check out our other STEM Challenges .

Recent Posts

What is it about snot and farts that makes kids laugh? If it gets them to learn science, just go with it. Try these gross science experiments and activities.

Teach Starter, part of Tes Teach Starter, part of Tes

Search  everything  in all resources

Fun Sound Experiments for Kids to Add to Your Sound Energy Lessons

Written by Jeanne Sager

Did you hear that? We’re pretty sure we heard that you were looking for some new sounds experiments for kids to add to your teacher toolbox.

While most kids are pretty accustomed to the concept of sound itself — ahem, 0 voices , kiddos — teaching kids how the vibrations of objects translate into sound isn’t just a core part of the science curriculum. It’s also a means to connect kids in a very real way to the world around them. So how do you start teaching kids about sound? And what are some sound science experiments you can try in the classroom? Let’s dive in.

Sound Experiments for Kids

Let’s face it — teaching about sound is going to vary depending on the subjects you teach. If you teaching English, you may start with onomatopoeia , working with kids to add words like “pop” and “bang” to their writing to bring the richness of sound into their narratives. And if you’re a music teacher, you’re going to go straight for the instruments.

We can’t cover all the pretty cool ways out there for incorporating the teaching of sound into the classroom, but we can tell you some of the Teach Starter teacher team’s favorite sounds experiments for kids!

For each sound experiment, students can draw a hypothesis about what they think will happen using the scientific method (grab this free poster outlining the steps they’ll need to follow!), collect and record data, then interpret their results and draw conclusions !

Box & Rubber Band Guitar

• Small shoebox or gift box (no lid required)
• Rubber bands of different widths

The Experiment:

• Have students sort through the rubber bands and arrange them so they’re stretched across the box from thinnest to thickest.
• Have students pluck each rubber band one by one like a guitar and record their observations.
• Students can then add a ruler set on its edge like a bridge across the rubber bands and pluck the bands again, recording observations.

This simple sound experiment teaches kids about sound waves as they learn that the thinner rubber bands produce higher pitches and shorter sound waves! The addition of the ruler helps them to understand how a dampener works to affect pitch.

Screaming Balloons

Balloons are a staple of STEM for teaching kids about static energy, but this sound experiment puts these handy party supplies to use to discuss another kind of energy!

• 2 packages of large balloons (at least enough for each of your groups of students and a few spares in case a balloon is popped)
• Hex nuts, pennies, marbles, and other small objects
• Have students place one of the small objects of their own choosing inside the balloon
• One student in the group should blow up the balloon about three-quarters of the way, and tie it off (they may need a bit of help with this)
• Students spin the balloon around in the air and record their observations
• Students then repeat the experiment with each of the small objects in different balloons.

Your students should make their own observations, but — spoiler alert — the hex nut will likely make a “screaming” noise as its six sides cause vibration across the balloon!

Have more balloon sound fun — download our sound science task cards for a buzzing balloons experiment and five more fun investigations. 

Make Stick Harmonicas

Building their own instruments is a fun way to integrate project-based learning into your lessons, and making your own harmonica is a great way to learn more about sound waves.

• Plastic straws and paper straws
• Large popsicle sticks
• Wide rubber bands
• Smaller rubber bands
• Cut 2 1-inch pieces off of the straw.
• Stretch your wide rubber band length-wise around a large popsicle stick.
• Place a straw piece under the rubber band, close to the edge on one end.
• Place a second popsicle stick directly on top of the one that’s already rubber banded.
• Secure the sticks together at each end using the small rubber bands.
• Place the second straw piece in the middle of your new “harmonica” right between the sticks on the opposite end from the other. (Note: This straw piece should sit above the wide rubber band instead of below it.)

Students “play” their new harmonica by blowing into the straw pieces. To experiment with pitch, they can move the straw pieces around their instrument.

If you have paper straws, kids can replace their plastic straw pieces with paper ones, making predictions about whether or not they think the different material will affect the sound and recording their observations.

Some questions to ask:

• How did moving the straw pieces affect the sound?
• How did the different straw materials affect the sound?

Bonus: Have your students design their own musical instruments  and put them together — like this fun coffee can and rubber band contraption!

Looking for more resources to teach about sound?

Teach Starter collaborator and Texas teacher Heather Chambers created these fun science center activities for third through fifth graders to determine different types of energy, including sound energy!

• Forms of Energy Task Cards
• Forms of Energy Sorting Activity

Or check out our full collection of elementary school science teaching resources !

30 Buzzing Facts About Bees to Excite Kids About Nature

Everyone benefits from the busyness of bees which is why these bee facts will help inspire your students to appreciate and protect them!

21 Epic Last Day of School Activities to Kick Off Summer Break

Looking for easy last day of school ideas for elementary or middle school? These quick and fun end of year classroom activities will help you finish off your year just right!

70 1st Grade Books to Add to Your Classroom Reading Corner This Year

Wondering which 1st grade books you should add to your classroom library? Look no further! We have a list of 70 that are teacher (and student) approved!

22 Fun Groundhog Facts to Share With Your Class on Groundhog Day

Need fun groundhog facts to share with your students this Groundhog Day? Find out what groundhogs eat, where they live and why we let them predict the weather!

How to Teach 1st Grade — The Ultimate Guide to What to Do, What to Buy and What to Teach

Looking for tips on teaching first grade? Our comprehensive 1st grade teacher guide will answer all your questions from what to buy to how to prepare for the first day of school and what to do throughout the school year.

10 Best Pencil Sharpeners for the Classroom — Recommended by Teachers

Need new pencil sharpeners in your classroom? We've rounded up 10 best pencil sharpeners recommended by teachers to get you started.

Get more inspiration delivered to your inbox!

Sign up for a free membership and receive tips, news and resources directly to your email!

The Science of Waves: Awesome Sound Experiment for Kids

By: Author Jacquie Fisher

Posted on Published: April 16, 2019

Categories Kids Activities & Crafts , Science Experiments

One of the coolest sound wave experiments your kids will ever try!

We love doing simple science experiments and every once in a while, we find a GEM.

It’s a simple, easy and pretty awesome experiment that explores the science of sound waves and how they travel .

Sound Experiment for Kids

So many of the science activities we do are ones that I’ve experienced before but are new to our kids. 

And honestly, as they approach Middle School age, it’s getting harder and harder to impress them 😉

But THIS ONE! 

This is one of those really cool experiments that they thought was super cool and even I was impressed with ( and as my husband will tell you, I’m not easily impressed 😉

I should have titled this “ Make Your Own Gong Using a Spoon and Fork ” — because that’s exactly what you’ll get to do!

Like our How does a Leaf Breathe? experiment , this sound wave project also explores the invisible side of science.

As you begin this vibration experiment, explain to your kids that you are going to test how sound travels. 

They may not realize that when a ‘noise’ is made, it creates sound waves (which are not visible) that travel through the air and to our ears. 

As with any of our experiments, we always start with a good book to help explain the science concepts!

Books about the Science of Sound Waves

Here are a few great books to pair with this activity along with affiliate links so you can easily learn more about each one:

Sounds All Around (Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science 1) is part of an amazing science book series that cover all the topics under the sun!  This book explains how sound waves travel, how your ear receives sound and answers for more of the questions kids will ask.

And another fun book, What’s That Sound (Science Solves It! ) has facts & activities related to sound – perfect for kids ages 6 – 10 years old.

Sound Experiments for Kids

You’ll need a few items that I’m sure you can easily find around the house — the affiliate links in our list will give you a quick description of each item:

• A ruler (we found a wooden or heavy plastic ruler worked best)
• Two different size spoons (try using a teaspoon and a serving spoon )
• About 4 feet of string or yarn (this will depend on how tall you are as you can see below)

First, create a loop in the middle of the yarn/string and insert the handle of the spoon. 

Pull tightly so that the spoon hangs in the center of the yarn/string and you have two long pieces of approximately equal length.

Then make a face at your Mom when she asks to take your photo ( this is an optional step, of course ) 🙂

Take each string and wrap them around your pointer finger on each hand. 

Then push the string against each ear (not into the ear but just outside like you are going to plug your ears because you don’t want to hear your Mom ask you to do your chores 🙂 

You’ll want the spoon to hang just below the waist once both ends of the yarn are placed near the ears.

You can see in this photo that you don’t have to use the end of each piece of yarn/string — in fact, as you do the experiment, change how high or low the spoon hangs to see if it changes the sound.

Ok, here’s the big moment …

Once the string in pushed against the ears, have someone GENTLY hit the ruler against the round part of the spoon — and watch the look on your child’s face (priceless!)

Warning : Kids often think that the HARDER they hit the spoon, the louder the sound — be sure to test out this theory too!

If you are using a small spoon, you should hear a distinct bell sound — with a larger spoon, it will sound more like a gong.

Pretty cool!

The Science Behind Sound Wave Experiments

Here’s what’s really happening during the activity — I’ve highlighted some of the science terms that you can introduce to kids when discussing this experiment:

When the ruler hits the spoon, it creates vibrations which make sound waves.  These sound waves travel up the yarn/string and to the ear instead of just spreading out into the air around you.

The yarn acts as a conductor — an object that allows sound waves to travel.

Depending on the size of the spoon and the length of yarn, the sound will appear higher (like a church bell) or deeper (like a gong).

And because the yarn allows the sound waves to continue to travel, the sound of the spoon will resonate or reverberate — meaning they will continue for a while after you have hit the spoon.

Another thing we found was that the only one who can hear the bell or gong sound will be the person with the string near their ears — which we thought was also pretty cool. 

Everyone else in the room will just hear a faint ‘tink’ when the ruler hits the spoon.

More Ideas for Sound Experiments

Ok, we wanted to play around with the experiment a little more — so we also used a serving fork (which is larger than a regular fork).

Do this too and you’ll see that the tines on the fork create a totally different sound.

You can also try different types of yarn/string — you’ll find that the more dense the string, the better the sound will travel.

For more sound wave experiments, try

• the Geeker Speaker Lab Kit which shows you how to make sound waves visible with 5 different experiments!
• the Science of Sound box from Steve Spangler includes up to 10 sound experiments kids can do !

And don’t forget to see all of our simple science experiments!

If you’re looking for more ideas that explore sound waves, try these items:

More Human Body Science Experiments

Fingerprint Science for Kids

How Long are Your Small Intestines?

Looking for more Easy Science Experiments?  Try these!

How do Leaves Breathe?

How much Water is in Snow?

Does Your Food Sink or Float?

27 Simple Science Experiments  

 You might also like:

20 Science Experiments in a Jar

Cool Science Experiments Headquarters

Making Science Fun, Easy to Teach and Exciting to Learn!

Science Experiments

How to See Sound Science Experiment

What does sound look like? This fun 5-item science experiment helps kids “see” sound waves and have fun while doing it.

In this article, we include a demonstration video, a supplies list, detailed printable instructions, experiment variations, and an easy to understand scientific explanation of how it works.

Bonus: Kids love this experiment because not only are they allowed to make loud drumming noises, it’s required!

JUMP TO SECTION:   Instructions  |  Video Tutorial  |  How it Works

Supplies Needed

• Plastic Wrap
• 1 teaspoon Uncooked Rice
• Metal Pan (Cookie Sheets or Pans are good options, but they must be metal)
• Metal Spoon

How to See Sound Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy How to See Sound Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

How to See Sound Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Tear off a piece of plastic wrap big enough to cover the top of the bowl.

Step 2 – Secure the plastic wrap over the bowl. Make sure that the plastic wrap is very tight.

Step 3 – Pour 1 teaspoon of uncooked rice on the top of the plastic wrap.

Step 4 – Hold the metal pan in the air and position it next to the bowl. What do you think will happen if you hit the pan with the spoon?

Helpful Tip: Remember, the pan must be metal or the experiment won’t work.

Step 5 – Take the metal spoon and bang on the metal pan like a drum and watch what happens to the rice. Write down your observations. Do you know the why the rice moved? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How to See Sound Science Experiment Step by Step Instructional Video

How Does the Experiment Work?

Sound is a disturbance that travels through a medium as a wave. In this experiment, when you hit the metal pan with the spoon, you disturb the particles of the pan causing them to vibrate. The vibrations in the pan are transferred to the air surrounding the pan, creating a sound wave.

When these sound waves reach the plastic wrap it disturbs the particles of the plastic wrap causing them to vibrate. These vibrations in the plastic wrap cause the rice to move. Sound waves traveling through the air are also what allow us to hear the noise of the spoon hitting the pan.

Other Ideas to Try

Try this experiment again, but change the distance of the pan from the bowl. As you move the pan farther away from the bowl, do the sound waves have the same effect on the rice grains?

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Instructions

• Tear off a piece of plastic wrap big enough to cover the top of the bowl.
• Secure the plastic wrap over the bowl. Make sure that the plastic wrap is very tight.
• Pour 1 teaspoon of uncooked rice on the top of the plastic wrap.
• Hold the metal pan in the air and position it next to the bowl
• Take the metal spoon and bang on the metal pan like a drum and watch what happens to the rice.

Reader Interactions

September 27, 2016 at 2:29 pm

I am trying to see the answer for the “Why can’t we see sound?” but I xan’t find it here. Can you help me, please?

February 2, 2017 at 11:37 pm

Invisible sound waves

May 21, 2019 at 9:57 pm

Sound is a vibration

March 12, 2017 at 10:15 pm

Because when you hit the tin it makes a hard and loud noise.

December 7, 2017 at 2:44 pm

This was an amazing experiment ever

January 31, 2018 at 5:08 pm

It is because the rice is having potential energy while it is on the wrap. Than and only then when you hit the pan is when it turns to kinetic energy.

October 31, 2018 at 8:56 pm

The sound waves bounce off the pan and travel to the drum. The drum vibrates and the rice jumps.

January 26, 2019 at 5:32 pm

Why can’t I get this to work

does the type of plastic wrap matter?

March 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

it doesn’t work for me too 🙁

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Policy
• Disclosure Policy

Copyright © 2024 · Cool Science Experiments HQ

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

• FREE Experiments
• Kitchen Science
• Climate Change
• Egg Experiments
• Fairy Tale Science
• Edible Science
• Human Health
• Inspirational Women
• Forces and Motion
• Science Fair Projects
• STEM Challenges
• Science Sparks Books
• Contact Science Sparks
• Science Resources for Home and School

Sound Experiment – Sound Absorption and Reflection

May 7, 2013 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

Today, I am very excited and honoured to have the lovely Maggy Woodley guest posting for us. Maggy blogs at Red Ted Art  and has a great sound science experiment to show us.

Hello! Lovely to be visiting Science Sparks again. I think Science Sparks is doing AMAZING things in getting families and bloggers into science. Everyone is doing it now, be it in Science Hangouts or just having fun with the kids at home. HOORAY for Science Sparks. This makes it even more humbling to be here today with our simple sound experiment!

I usually blog at Red Ted Art and Life At The Zoo. Over on Red Ted Art, we have been making guitars. Which, of course, have a fabulous Science element to them: Acoustics! What is sound, and how does it work?

What is sound?

Let’s recap: Sound is Energy. An energy that is caused by something moving backwards and forward – like the vibration on a guitar’s string.

Sound reflection

For Science Sparks, we explored what happened to sound in different environments – have you ever been in a room with nothing in it? Does it sound echo-y? What is going on?

What is acoustics?

A smooth flat surface – such as brick, metal or wood, reflects sound – it makes it bounce and come back straight at us. Making it often sound louder (as we have lots of sound waves heading our way) and sometimes echo-y (depending on how large the room is and how long it takes for the sound to “come back to us”). This doesn’t happen in a room that has a sofa, carpet and curtains – the soft furnishings absorb the sound.

Sound experiment

We can test this with our toy guitar!

We did three things and guessed what the sound would be like:

1) our fingers only

2) the container and elastic bands

3) the container, and bands, stuffed with a tea towel.

Fingers 

We have an elastic band on it’s own – we can hear it, but we have to listen really closely. It also sounds “deeper”. The sound is sent in all directions and “lost” in the large room we are in.

We have our empty container with the strings.

The sound is much louder and clear. As expected you can really hear the different notes clearly.

 The container stuffed

He stuffed a tea towel into the container – assuming it would absorb most of the sound. It DID sound a tiny bit quieter, but not as much as expected. I suspect that this is because our strings are wrapped all around the container and that it is still reflecting a sufficient amount of noise energy. Yes, some is absorbed, but we would have to stuff it with more to make more of a difference.

This is the fun of science – thinking about what you expect, observing what is happening and discussing results and finding explanations. I am now on a mission to find some objects that fully muffle our guitar (I suspect placing our duvet all around our container AND stuff it with something REALLY soft, will achieve the desired result!).

Thanks for having us and letting us explore Acoustics with this super simple sound experiment .

Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

May 13, 2013 at 8:47 pm

This is fantastic – and what a great idea to explore science of music and how reflection and absorption of the sound can be changed.

Thank you for linking up to Tuesday Tots just to let you know that I will be featuring this over on Rainy Day Mum this week.

July 22, 2013 at 4:16 pm

Thanks for sharing in this in the After School Link Up! I’ve featured Exploring Music with Kids this week including your link as a feature! http://theeducatorsspinonit.blogspot.com/2013/07/music-ideas-for-summer-fun-after-school.html

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Posted on Last updated: November 24, 2020 By: Author Kim

Categories STEM Activities

How Did You Hear That? Simple Sound Science for Kids

Simple Sound Science Activities for Kids

Let’s talk about sound.  My children are very familiar with it, at least they are quite good at volume.  Kids are really great at producing sound, and most of them enjoy being loud.

So why not take advantage of that interest and talk about how sound works.  How do we hear sounds? What are sound waves?  Can we see sound?  Give your children an excuse to be loud for an afternoon.  Here are 4 easy and fun sound science experiments for toddlers and preschoolers.

What's In This Post?

What are Sound Waves?

How does sound work.

Before we get into the fun activities, let’s learn a bit about how sound works.

What is sound?  Sound is carried by waves, not unlike the waves we looked at when we learned about color .  These waves require a medium to travel through, which on earth is the atmosphere that surrounds us.

We can’t see them, but there are millions of molecules floating around everywhere.  These molecules transfer energy, which is how a wave moves.

This is the same way colors move as waves through the atmosphere.  The difference between sound and color is that color comes from light waves and sound waves come from vibration.

Sounds originate through some sort of vibration.  Think of hitting a gong.  When you strike it, it vibrates.  These vibrations are energy waves that travel through the air.

Only unlike color, which is perceived with the eye, these waves interact with our eardrums.  Our eardrums vibrate and pass on the waves to our inner ear, where our brain can perceive it as sound.

(There is more to the anatomical part of hearing, but our focus right now is on the sound waves outside of the ear.)

Want more wave science? Learn how colors work!

Properties of Sound Waves

There are two big properties that describe sound waves: frequency and amplitude .

Frequency is how quickly the wave is moving.  Is it a quick vibration that created the sound, or a slow one?

Frequency impacts pitch.  A fast frequency will create a higher pitch.  A slower frequency has a lower pitch.

This is a great time to explain pitch to little ones too.  It’s easy to demonstrate.  Speak in a high voice (like you just had some helium), this is a high pitch.  Have your child try it.  Then have them speak in a very low voice (I told Ben to talk like Daddy), this is a low pitch.

Amplitude is how big the wave is, and this affects volume.  (This is where the word amplifier comes from.) A big wave will have a loud sound.  A small wave will have a quiet sound.

Here is an example to help visualize these.  Think of a great big gong.  When you hit it big slow vibrations are created.  It makes a deep, loud sound.  This is because it has big waves that are moving slowly.

Now think of a tiny gong.  When you hit it you create small fast vibrations.  It makes a high sound and is quieter than the big gong.  This is because it has small waves moving quickly.

See waves in action with science by the pool.

Sound Wave Activities

Now that we know a bit about how sound waves work, let’s explore them in action!

Balloon Amplifier

Want to make the world’s easiest amplifier?

Blow up a balloon, hold it up, and tap on it.  It doesn’t make a super loud sound.  Next, hold the balloon up to your child’s ear and lightly tap on it.  It sounds pretty loud!

Why does this happen?  When you blow up a balloon you are packing it with air molecules.  They are very close together and transmit sound waves super well compared to the air just around us normally.

When we tapped the balloon while we were just holding it those waves had to move through the less compressed ambient air to get to our ears, and the sound is softer.

When we hold the balloon up to our ears the sound just has to get through the tightly packed molecules in the balloon and we hear a louder sound.  It is amplified.

Can you see sound?  Well, we can’t see the sound waves as they move through the air.  (Though picture the waves you see when you drop a rock into water. They look a lot like that!) But we can see the vibrations that create sound transmitted between surfaces with a little help.

• Plastic Wrap
• Uncooked Rice
• Metal Spoon

Put the plastic wrap tightly over the bowl.  (One sheet, as tight as you can get it.) Put about 1 teaspoon of rice on the plastic.

Then hold the metal pan close to the bowl and have your child hit it with the spoon.  The harder they hit it the better.  The rice will dance!

What is happening is that the pan vibrates, creating a sound wave.  This wave is transmitted through the air molecules and cause the plastic wrap to start vibrating as well, making the rice dance!

You are seeing the result of the sound waves in the rice.  Are any patterns formed? Try hitting the pan harder and then more gently.  How does the behavior of the rice change?

If you want to be a cool mom see if your child can hit the pan hard enough to bounce the rice right off the plastic!

Transmit Sound Through String

Remember making telephones with your friends using cans and string? Yeah, me neither.  I’m not that old.  (And how did kids drill holes in the cans anyway?)  But we can use this idea to show kids how sound travels through a medium.

• A Long Piece of Yarn
• 2 Spoons of Different Sizes

Take the yarn and tie it around the spoon so the spoon is in the middle of the piece.  Take the two long pieces on either side and have your child hold them up to their ears.

You want to bunch up the string loosely and have them put it in their ears.  Not too far (safety!), more like you are just trying to block out other sounds.  Then tap on the spoon with the pencil.  And watch their faces.

Hitting the spoon with the pencil causes the spoon to vibrate.   Remember, sound needs a medium to travel through, and in this case, the yarn is that medium.  It transmits the sound directly to your ears.

What makes it so much louder?  In an open room, sound waves transmit in all directions.  So what you hear is not everything that is being produced.  Air molecules are not very tightly packed, which also makes the sound less intense.

With the yarn most of the wave is being sent right to your sound receptors, making it more distinct and louder.

Have your child try the other spoon.  How do the sounds compare?  Try different lengths of string. What does that do to the sounds?

Want to make more music? Here are 5 easy DIY instruments to make at home!

How Do Echos Work?

How do echoes work? What makes you hear a sound a second and third time like that?

• 2 Paper Towel Tubes

Prop the pie pan up on a table so it is vertical.  Take one paper towel tube and place it on the table, angled a bit but aimed at the pie plate.  Take the other paper towel and have it angled the opposite way, also aimed at the pie plate.

Have your child put his ear to one of the tubes while you talk softly into the other.  You can hear what is said through the other tube!

The sound waves you create by speaking travel through the tube.  They are directed through the tubes, hit the pie plate, and bounce off, traveling back through the other tube.  You are hearing the echo.

An echo is when a sound wave bounces off of a surface.  Some surfaces are better for echoes than others.  For example, bathrooms are often very good at creating echoes.  This is because they are usually full of hard surfaces like tile that bounce back sound waves effectively.  A fun bath time activity is to explore your echo with your child.

These are simple and fun ways to demonstrate how sound waves work with kids.  And you don’t have to stop with these.  Make some musical instruments and see what other vibrations you can create.  (This is also a great sensory activity.  Learn why those are so important: The Big Benefits of Sensory Play )

Take a nature walk and tap on things with sticks.  Try making high pitches and low pitches.  Explore echoes.  Sounds are all around us.  Encourage your kids to take a listen and explore the science behind the sound.

Find your next fun activity!

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

* Checkbox GDPR is required

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Sunday 24th of March 2019

My son absolutely loved these activities! We had a spoon on a string for days. Thank you so much for the ideas, it made our preschool time fun.

I'm so glad he liked it! We love the spoon one too. It's so exciting when our kids get into STEM!

Monday 9th of July 2018

These are wonderful activities! My girls are going to love learning about sound!

Saturday 23rd of June 2018

These are such fun and easy sound experiments! Great ideas.

kimcartwright

They were fun! It's cool to look at something we experience every day in a new light.

Andrea Knight

Teacher · Learner · Author

Sound Experiments

This science unit is so fun. It’s loaded with my favorite sound experiments, like this one. I first saw this idea in a library book and, to be honest, I didn’t expect it to be that big of a deal (or even work, if I’m still being honest). But to my surprise, it actually delivered. I think I suffer from Pinterest-Fail PTSD.

Singing Spoons  is a fun way to show kids how volume and pitch change depending on whether sound waves are traveling through the air or through a solid, similar to the way a stethoscope works. It’s one of our favorite sound experiments and is pretty easy to set up. Just use tape to connect three metal spoons to a piece of string or yarn. Then, jiggle the string so the spoons swing into one another and observe the sound they make. It should sound dull and tinny. Next, wrap the ends of the string around your fingers as if you were going to floss your teeth. Place only the yarn-wrapped fingers in your ears (again, think of a stethoscope) and swing the spoons again. Notice how the pitch and volume change.

Even the adults in my house thought this was cool. And one of them is fairly hard to impress.😉

This experiment can easily be done without these sheets👇, but I like reading procedural and informational texts with my students and I also like having a place for them to record their own ideas during investigations.

More Sound Experiments

Hands down, the most satisfying part of planning this science unit was finally engineering a harmonica that actually works! I’m not exaggerating when I tell you how much we were geeking out over this one… maybe because it was our third attempt. But I guess that’s the nature of science experiments, right? In the one pictured below, changing the distance between the pink straws changes the pitch of the sound. Shorten the gap and the pitch will rise. Spread them back out and the sound will become lower. It’s all about vibrations and sound waves .

And the bee?🐝 If you swing it like a lasso above your head, it really does buzz! It’s another fun way to teach your students that vibrations cause sound.

I created student recording sheets for these sound experiments, as well as procedural posters (with picture support) and kid-friendly explanation sheets. These explanations help young children understand the science they’re observing, but I also like how they give families an age-appropriate context to build from when they want to talk to their kids about science.

Making a sound wave model takes some time, but the wow factor can’t be denied! You only need three things to make your model: duct tape, wooden skewers, and clay.  NOTE:  To save time, we built ours using jellybeans, but I think the weight of the clay would provide an even better result. If you use clay, roll each ball to roughly the size of a large grape.

Nonfiction Science Text

I have a hard time finding science material my first-graders can actually read, so it has become my habit to just write our own. It’s a win-win really because then I have a paper copy for each of them. By having their own, we can not only read it together, but the kids can practice it independently and even take it home to share with their families. The books serve double-duty during reading and phonics instruction, too. We can highlight key vocabulary words, find and circle word wall words, and even personalize the interactive pages.

This science book, What Is Sound? , introduces children to the concept of sound and how it behaves. Key science vocabulary such as pitch , volume , vibrate , and echo are emphasized in the text.

Key Vocabulary Posters

There are some pretty BIG words for some pretty young kids in this science unit, so I created a set of posters to help the children understand and remember them. Each poster features the key science term, a colorful graphic, and a kid-friendly definition. The set includes 8 different posters for the following vocabulary words:

• communicate

Key Word Game Cards

Mini-versions of the key word posters have been included in the resource. Originally, I just intended to use them as cards in a “Memory” style game, but they’re also good for student-pairing activities and vocabulary review. There are nine pairs of words in the set: sound, waves, vibrate, volume, pitch, echo, ear, communicate, and loud .

Student Worksheets

I also included some additional worksheets to help support science instruction and provide a connection to other subject areas, such as writing and phonics.

You can preview more of this first grade science unit👉   HERE . It includes printable materials for teaching children the science behind light and sound, as well as how we use both to communicate with others.

Science Ideas on Pinterest

Even though I teased about a Pinterest-Fail at the beginning of this post, I do love Pinterest. (I have discovered though, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.😂) If you’re planning a science unit on the study of light and sound, click over to my Pinterest board:  Light and Sound Science . I’ve added pins that lead to great ideas for supporting your instruction. You’ll find science videos, book suggestions, integrated projects, and more.

Recommended Book List

Check your school or local library for titles to support your science instruction. These are some of the books I’ve used for read-alouds and to help build my own background knowledge as I planned the unit.

• Sounds All Around by Wendy Pfeffer
• How Sound Moves by Sharon Coan
• How Does Sound Change? by Robin Johnson
• Oscar and the Bat by Geoff Waring
• The Listening Walk by Paul Showers
• Sending Messages with Light and Sound by Jennifer Boothroyd

CLICK👇TO PREVIEW THE RESOURCE

LIGHT AND SOUND SCIENCE UNIT

Happy teaching!

MORE SCIENCE POSTS FOR 1ST GRADE

In the Loop

andrea.knight.teacher.author

{[{item.title | translate}]}

What is chrome music lab.

Chrome Music Lab is a website that makes learning music more accessible through fun, hands-on experiments.

What can it be used for?

Many teachers have been using Chrome Music Lab as a tool in their classrooms to explore music and its connections to science , math , art , and more. They’ve been combining it with dance and live instruments . Here’s a collection of some uses we’ve found on Twitter.

Can I use it to make my own songs?

Yes. Check out the Song Maker experiment, which lets you make and share your own songs.

Do I need to make an account?

Nope. Just open any experiment and start playing.

How were these built?

All our experiments are all built with freely accessible web technology such as Web Audio API , WebMIDI , Tone.js , and more. These tools make it easier for coders to build new interactive music experiences. You can get the open-source code to lots of these experiments here on Github .

What devices do these work on?

You can play with these experiments across devices – phones, tablets, laptops – just by opening the site on a web browser such as Chrome .

What's next for Chrome Music Lab?

We always get inspired by new, unexpected ways that people use these experiments. If you’d like to share something with us, post it with #chromemusiclab or drop us a line .

Science Fun

Light And Sound Science Experiments

Easy light and sound science experiments you can do at home! Click on the experiment image or the view experiment link below for each experiment on this page to see the materials needed and procedure. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS.

Clucking Chicken In A Cup:

Talking String:

Teach A String To Talk

Trombone Straw:

Noisy Paper:

Bug On A Leash:

Super Easy Pan Flute:

Make Music With This Easy Sound Experiment

Duck In A Cup:

Crazy Kazoo:

Get Your ALL ACCESS Shop Pass here →

Easy Physics Experiments For Kids

Physics is fun, and these easy physics experiments are perfectly fun physics science experiments for kids; you can even do them at home or with groups in the classroom. Whether you are exploring laws of motion, sound waves, or light, physics is everywhere! Make sure to check out all of our science experiments for all year-round learning and play.

What Is Physics for Kids?

Physics is, most simply put, the study of matter and energy and the interaction between the two .

Physics is like the rulebook of the universe. It helps us understand how everything around us works, from tiny atoms to the vastness of space. When we study physics, we learn about motion (like why things move), forces (like pushes and pulls), energy (what makes things happen), electricity, magnetism, and more. It’s like solving puzzles about how the world functions.

Kids can learn more about the world around them through fun physics experiments like the ones below and deep thinking!

Try this Physics Project:

Physics Experiments By Topic

If studying a specific physics topic, check out these additional resources below. Each topic includes easy-to-understand information, everyday examples, and additional hands-on activities and experiments for you to use.

• Static Electricity
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Simple Machines
• Capillary Action
• Surface Tension

Click here to get your FREE Physics Activity Guide!

You will love these neat physics project ideas we have to share with you. I handpick my selections based on what I think my son would enjoy, what supplies are needed, and what amount of time needs to be dedicated to each activity.

💡 Click on each link for the full descriptions of each experiment and activity.

AIR PRESSURE CAN EXPERIMENT

Learn about atmospheric pressure with this incredible can crusher experiment. 

AIR RESISTANCE EXPERIMENT

Whoa! A physics experiment in under 10 mins and all you need to do is go raid the computer printer! Make simple air foils and learn about air resistance.

AIR VORTEX CANNON

Make your own homemade air cannon and blast down dominoes and other similar items. Learn about air pressure and the movement of air particles in the process.

BALANCING APPLE EXPERIMENT

Explore balancing apples and gravity with real apples for our  Ten Apples Up On Top Dr Seuss theme. Also try to balance a paper apple (use our FREE printable template to make your own).

BALLOON CAR

Here are two balloon car design suggestions to get the creative juices flowing! You can make a LEGO balloon car or you can make a cardboard balloon car . Both work off of a similar principle and really go. Find out which makes the fastest balloon car.

BALLOON ROCKET

Explore fun forces with an easy to set up balloon rocket project. Also see our Valentine’s Day version ; we have a Santa balloon rocket too! This simple experiment can be turned into any fun theme. You can even race two balloons or set it up outside!

BENDING WATER

Can you bend water? Yes, you can with static electricity. Grab a balloon and some water to set up this easy physics experiment.

BROKEN TOOTHPICK

Is it magic, or is it science? Make a star out of broken toothpicks by only adding water, and see capillary action at work.

Pennies and foil are all you need to learn about buoyancy. Oh. and a bowl of water too!

CAPILLARY ACTION

Check out these fun ways to demonstrate capillary action. Plus, all you need is a handful of standard household supplies.

COLOR CHANGING FLOWERS

Learn about the forces of capillary action as you change your flowers from white to green. Or any color you like! Easy to set up and perfect for a group of kiddos to do simultaneously.

COLOR WHEEL SPINNER

Famous scientist Isaac Newton discovered that light is made up of many colors. Learn more by making your spinning color wheel! Can you make white light from all the different colors?

DANCING SPRINKLES EXPERIMENT

Explore sound and vibrations when you try this fun dancing sprinkles experiment with the kids.

DENSITY TOWER EXPERIMENT

Explore how some liquids are heavier or denser than other liquids with this super easy physics experiment.

DROPS OF WATER ON A PENNY

How many drops of water can you fit on a penny? Explore surface tension of water when you try this fun penny lab with the kids.

EGG DROP PROJECT

Check out our mess-free version of a classic science experiment. This egg drop challenge is a great way to introduce kids to the scientific method as you test out ideas to protect your egg from cracking.

EGG IN A BOTTLE

This egg in a bottle project is a fun way to learn about how changes in air pressure can result in a fascinating and almost magical outcome. Watch a boiled get sucked into a bottle without even touching it!

Let the egg race experiments begin! Which egg will roll to the bottom of the ramp first? Help your kids make predictions as to what will happen with different size eggs and different angles of ramps.

Older kids may also find learning about Newton’s 3 Laws to be interesting, and explore how they can apply those ideas to their egg races.

ELECTRIC CORNSTARCH

Can you make oobleck jump? Learn about static electricity with this fun cornstarch and oil experiment.

FLOATING ORANGE

Investigate whether an orange floats or sinks in water, and even add in the scientific method. Learn about buoyancy and density with a simple ingredient from the kitchen, an orange.

FLOATING PAPERCLIP EXPERIMENT

How do you make a paperclip float on water? This is an awesome   physics activity for young kids and older ones too! Learn about surface tension of water, with a few simple supplies.

FLOATING RICE

Can you lift a bottle of rice with a pencil? Explore the force of friction with this easy physics experiment.

GLOWING SPINACH

Transform ordinary spinach that you eat into a glowing green mixture under ultraviolet light! Learn about the pigments present in plants, particularly chlorophyll and how certain pigments can absorb light at one wavelength and emit light at another, resulting in the observed glow.

Learn about the gravity and the force that keeps us firmly planted on the ground with hands-on and engaging activities for kids. Check out these fun preschool gravity activities and gravity experiments for elementary and older .

HOMEMADE COMPASS

Learn about magnets and magnetic fields with this fun and easy DIY compass project. Build your own compass that will show you which way is north.

HOW DO SHARKS FLOAT

Or why is it that sharks don’t sink in the ocean? Learn about how these great fish coast around through the ocean and buoyancy with this simple physics activity.

Check out more awesome Shark Facts for Kids (Free Printable)

HOW TO MAKE RAINBOWS

Explore light and refraction when you make rainbows using a variety of simple supplies—awesome hands-on science for kids of all ages.

KALEIDOSCOPE FOR KIDS

Learn how to create a kaleidoscope for simple physics.

KITE BUILDING

A good breeze and a few materials are all you need to tackle this Kite making physics project at home, with a group or in the classroom. Learn about forces needed to keep a kite up in the air, as you fly your own kite.

Explore physics with common items found around the house. A homemade lava lamp (or density experiment) is one of our favorite science experiments for kids.

LEGO PARACHUTE

If your mini-figure was about to go skydiving, would they have a LEGO® Parachute? And would their parachute actually work and carry them safely to the ground? Experiment with different materials to see what makes a good parachute.

LEGO ZIP LINE

Can you set up a LEGO zip line and see how well it holds up when in motion? This LEGO® building challenge is also a great way to introduce gravity, friction, slope, energy, and motion while getting creative with your LEGO® design. You could also add a pulley mechanism like we did here for this toy zip line .

LEMON BATTERY

What can you power with a lemon battery? Grab some lemons and a few other supplies, and find out how you can make lemons into lemon electricity!

MAGNETIC COMPASS

Use a magnet to make a compass , or combine the science of magnets with paint for a STEAM project!

MAGNIFYING GLASS

Here’s how you can make your own homemade magnifying glass from a plastic bottle and a drop of water. Find out how a magnifying glass works with some simple physics.

MARBLE RUN WALL

Pool noodles are amazing and cheap materials for so many STEM projects. I keep a bunch on hand all year-long to keep my kid busy. I bet you didn’t know how useful a pool noodle could be for physics projects. Learn about gravity, friction, energy and more with hands-on physics fun!

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Cardboard Tube Marble Run

MARBLE VISCOSITY EXPERIMENT

Grab some marbles and find out which one will fall to the bottom first with this easy viscosity experiment.

PADDLE BOAT DIY

Learn about kinetic and potential energy with this simple paddle boat project.

PAPER HELICOPTER

Make a paper helicopter that actually flies! This is an awesome   physics challenge for young kids and older ones too. Learn about what helps helicopters rise into the air, with a few simple supplies.

PAPER ROCKET

Kids will love making this simple paper rocket using our free rocket template and a straw. Explore simple physics with gravity, propulsion, energy, and aerodynamics while having a blast!

Build a simple pipeline from cups and straws, and observe how water moves through it because of gravity.

POPSICLE STICK CATAPULT

Want to learn how to make a catapult with popsicle sticks? This  Popsicle stick catapult design is an easy physics experiment for kids of all ages! Everyone loves to launch stuff into the air.

We have also made a spoon catapult , LEGO catapult , pencil catapult , and a jumbo marshmallow catapult !

LEGO RUBBER BAND CAR

We made a simple LEGO rubber band car to go along with our favorite superhero book. Again these can be made as simple or as detailed as your kids would like to make them, and it’s all STEM!

PENNY SPINNER

Make these fun paper spinner toys out of simple household materials. Kids love things that spin and spinning tops are one of the earliest toys made in the US.

POM POM SHOOTER

Similar to our snowball launcher further on, but this physics activity uses a toilet paper tube and balloon to launch pom poms. How far can you fling them? See Newton’s Laws of Motion in action!

POP ROCKS EXPERIMENT

We tested a variety of fluids all with a unique viscosity for this fun pop rocks science experiment. Grab a few packs of pop rocks and don’t forget to taste them too!

RAINBOW IN A JAR

This water density experiment with sugar uses only a few kitchen ingredients but produces an amazing physics project for kids! Enjoy finding out about the basics of color mixing all the way up to the density of liquids.

RISING WATER EXPERIMENT

Add a burning candle to a tray of water, cover it with a jar, and watch what happens!

ROLLING CAN

Another fun way to demonstrate static electricity. Check out this easy physics experiment with an aluminum can and a balloon.

ROLLING PUMPKINS

It doesn’t get much easier than pumpkin rolling on homemade ramps. And what makes it even better is that it’s also a great  simple physics experiment for kids. 

RUBBER BAND CAR

Kids love building things that move! Plus, it’s even more fun if you can make a car go without just pushing it or by adding an expensive motor. 

SALT WATER DENSITY EXPERIMENT

This easy to set up salt water density experiment is a cool variation of the classic sink or float experiment. What will happen to the egg in salt water? Will an egg float or sink in salty water? There are so many questions to ask and predictions to make with this easy physics experiment for kids.

SCREAMING BALLOON EXPERIMENT

This screaming balloon experiment is an awesome   physics activity for kids of all ages! Explore centripetal force or how objects travel a circular path.

SHADOW PUPPETS

Kids love their shadows, love to chase shadows, and love to make shadows do silly things! There’s also some fun things to learn about shadows for physics. Make simple animal shadow puppets and learn about the science of shadows.

SIMPLE PULLEY EXPERIMENT

Kids love pulleys and our homemade pulley system is sure to be a permanent fixture in your backyard this season. Make a pulley simple machine, learn a little physics, and find new ways to play.

We also have this simple pulley system you can make with a paper cup and thread.

SINK OR FLOAT

Use items straight out of the kitchen for our sink or float experiment. Plus I am sure your child will be able to come with other fun things to test! This is a simple physics experiment and totally engaging for young kids.

SNOWBALL LAUNCHER

Explore Newton’s Laws of Motion with this easy-to-make indoor snowball launcher. All you need are a few simple supplies for hands-on fun!

SOUND EXPERIMENT

Kids love to make noises and sounds is all a part of the physical sciences. This homemade xylophone sound experiment is truly a simple physics experiment for kids. So easy to set up, it’s kitchen science at it’s finest with plenty of room to explore and play!

SOAP POWERED BOAT EXPERIMENT

Explore surface tension as kids observe firsthand how soap influences the movement of a small boat on the water’s surface.

SPECTROSCOPE

Create your own DIY spectroscope from a few simple supplies and make a rainbow from visible light for a fun physics project for kids.

STATIC ELECTRICITY

Balloons are a must for this one! These simple experiments explore the concept of static electricity in a hands-on way.

TOY CAR FRICTION EXPERIMENT

Kids love to send cars down ramps! The faster the better! But did you know that this favorite playtime activity is also an awesome science lesson for kids of all ages. Explore friction with just a few simple materials.

VISCOSITY EXPERIMENT

Test the viscosity or “thickness” of different household liquids with this easy physics experiment for kids.

WATER DISPLACEMENT

Learn about water displacement and what it measures with this simple physics experiment for kids.

WATER REFRACTION

Why does the image appear reversed? Have fun with a hands-on demonstration of what happens when light bends! Plus, grab a free printable!

VALENTINE PHYSICS EXPERIMENTS

5 simple physics experiments with a Valentine’s Day theme, including a balloon rocket, static electricity, buoyancy, and more!

WIND POWERED CAR

Build a wind-powered car and explore how wind energy can be transformed into motion.

Add the Scientific Method to Any Physics Project

Use the Scientific Method

Encourage your kids to make predictions, discuss observations, and re-test their ideas if they don’t get the desired results the first time. Science always includes an element of mystery that kids naturally love to figure out!

Grab a free printable and learn more about variables and using the scientific method with kids here .

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects Pack

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Wow, I see so many ideas here I want to try? Gravity art, nuts and bolts sculptures…my daughter is going to love these!

Great list of activities! I know that even as an engineer, physics “sounds” hard. Anything we can do to get kids trying it, playing with it and learning it helps remove that stigma. Thanks for including our slime, too 🙂

Your welcome! Yes Physics does sound intimidating but it doesn’t have to be.

• Pingback: Chemistry Activities and Science Experiments for Kids
• Pingback: Scientific Method For Kids with Examples | Little Bins for Little Hands

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

FREE 2024-25 Printable Teacher Calendar! 🗓️

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

24 Shockingly Fun Electricity Experiments and Activities for Kids

Play dough circuits, LED magic wands, and more!

Electricity is all around us, so we tend to take it for granted. It’s a fascinating subject for kids, though, so they’ll love these electricity experiments and activities. You may need to invest in a few simple supplies for some of these activities, but you’ll be able to reuse them for multiple activities year after year. The hands-on experience kids will get makes the extra effort worthwhile.

1. Start with an anchor chart

Static electricity is most kids’ intro to this concept, and it leads nicely into electrical energy and circuitry. These colorful anchor charts help you teach both.

Get tutorial: Anchor chart about electricity and electricity anchor chart

2. Bend water with static electricity

Most static electricity experiments are quick and easy enough for anyone to try at home. This is a great example: Charge a comb by rubbing it against your head, then use it to “bend” a stream of water from a faucet.

Get tutorial: Water balloon experiment

3. Separate salt and pepper using a magic spoon

This static electricity experiment works because pepper is lighter than salt, which makes it quicker to jump to the electrically charged plastic spoon. So cool!

Get tutorial: Salt and pepper experiment

4. Move a bubble using a balloon

Balloons are a fun way to teach about static electricity. Combine them with bubbles for a hands-on activity students will really love.

Get tutorial: Bubble experiment

5. Flap a (paper) butterfly’s wings

Speaking of balloons, try using them to help a butterfly flap its tissue paper wings. Little ones’ faces light up when they see the butterfly come to life.

Get tutorial: Butterfly wing experiment

6. Make jumping goop with static electricity

Kick your static electricity experiments up a notch by mixing a batch of cornstarch “goop,” then making it “jump” toward a balloon. Amazing!

Get tutorial: Jumping goop experiment

7. Assemble circuits from play dough

When you’re ready to explore electrical energy, start with play dough circuits. You’ll need a battery box and mini LED lights. Mix up your own batches of insulating and conducting play dough using the info at the link.

Get tutorial: Play dough circuit experiment

Buy it: Battery box and clear LED lights at Amazon

8. Create a classic potato clock

A potato clock is an impressive way to kick off or end a unit on electricity. Your students will never look at potatoes the same way again.

Buy it: Potato Clock experiment kit

9. Find out if water conducts electricity

We’re always telling kids to get out of the water at the first sign of a lightning storm, so use this demo to help them understand why. You’ll need alligator clip wires, mini LED bulbs, and button cell batteries.

Get tutorial: Water electricity experiment

Buy it: Alligator clip wires , mini LED bulbs , and button cell batteries at Amazon

10. Whip up wizard wands

Lumos! If your kids are fascinated by Harry Potter and the world of magic, they’ll love this electricity project that turns ordinary sticks into light-up wands! Learn how it’s done at the link.

Get tutorial: Wizard wand project

11. Play a DIY steady-hand game

Electricity experiments like this one are perfect for exploring the idea of open and closed circuits. Plus, kids will have so much fun playing with them.

Get tutorial: Steady-hand game

12. Copper-plate coins using electricity

We all know electricity lights up a room and powers phones, computers, and even cars. But what else can it do? This electroplating experiment is a real jaw-dropper. 

Get tutorial: Copper plate coins experiment

13. Create an index card flashlight

This DIY flashlight really turns on and off! It only takes index cards, aluminum foil, mini LED bulbs, an button cell batteries.

Get tutorial: Index card flashlight

Buy it: Mini LED bulbs and button cell batteries at Amazon

14. Twirl some homopolar dancers

These sweet little twirling dancers are a fantastic demonstration of a homopolar motor. In addition to basic AA batteries, you’ll need neodymium magnets and copper wire.

Get tutorial: Homopolar dancers

Buy it: Neodymium magnets and copper wire at Amazon

15. Build multiple circuits

Create more than one circuit using play dough to create a series. The positive leg of the LED is near the battery terminal. Since the battery can only push the electricity one way, you can create a circuit of two or more to create a larger circuit.

Get tutorial: Series circuit experiment

16. Make a coin battery

Use a stack of coins (the more coins you use, the more electricity produced) to make a battery.

Get tutorial: Coin battery

17. Make an electromagnet

Make an electromagnet, or a magnet that uses an electric field, by wrapping wire around an iron nail and running current through the wire. An electric field is created around the nail and, sometimes, the nail will stay magnetized even when the coil is removed.

Get tutorial: Electromagnet project

18. Create a pencil resister

Learn about how resisters control the amount of electricity that flows through a circuit. Use pencils (a great way to use those old stubby pencils that are sharpened at both ends) as part of the circuit, and watch the brightness of the build change when the resistance in the circuit changes.

Get tutorial: Pencil resister project

Buy it: AA batteries , battery holder , LED light bulbs , and alligator clips at Amazon

19. Find out what conducts electricity

Figure out what objects are made of material that conducts or does not conduct electricity. Collect common objects such as a key, chalk, wood, and/or candle. Then, test each object by putting it between a battery and a light bulb and touching foil to the base of the bulb. If the bulb lights up, the object conducts electricity!

Get tutorial: What conducts electricity? experiment

Buy it: AA batteries and LED light bulbs at Amazon

20. Create electric paint

Use electric paint to create a circuit and light up a painting with batteries and LEDs. You will need a multimeter for this project (here’s how to use a multimeter ).

Get tutorial: Electric paint project

Buy it: Multimeter , electric paint , 9-volt batteries , LED light bulbs , and alligator clips at Amazon

21. Create an electromagnetic train

Show the connection between electricity and magnetism by creating a train with a battery and some neodymium magnets. One note: This is a project for older students who have close adult supervision, as neodymium magnets are very strong.

Get tutorial: Electromagnetic train project

Buy it: Neodymium magnets at Amazon

22. Create an electroscope with a soda can

An electroscope detects the presence of an electronic charge. Create a basic but effective electroscope with a soda can, insulation tape, aluminum foil, and a Styrofoam cup. Put it near various surfaces and see what happens.

Get tutorial: Soda Can Electroscope

23. Turn dirt into a battery

Electricity can even conduct in dirt. Create a dirt battery with galvanized steel screws (very important), an ice cube tray, copper wires, and soil. Make it more interesting by putting lemon juice or vinegar in the dirt.

Get tutorial: Dirt Battery Experiment

Buy it: Copper wire and galvanized screws at Amazon

24. Lemon battery

Use a lemon to create a battery with coins and a multimeter. It’s a great way to show students how literally anything can be a conductor of electricity.

Get tutorial: A Simple Lemon Battery

Buy it: Multimeter at Amazon

Love these electricity experiments and activities? Check out Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand .

Plus check out turn muggles into wizards with harry potter science experiments ..

You Might Also Like

72 Easy Science Experiments Using Materials You Already Have On Hand

Because science doesn't have to be complicated. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256