Curated OER
Sound Observations
Young scholars explore sound waves by conducting an experiment in class. In this sound frequency lesson plan, students utilize a tuning fork in class and identify which objects in class create different sound pitches on the fork. Young...
Curated OER
Objects Vibrate
Students strike a tuning fork and dip it in water. They sprinkle cereal flakes on a drum, than tap the top of the drum. Students stretch a rubber band between two fingers and pluck it; stretch the elastic farther and pluck it again. Then...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Longitudinal Waves
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students can use this module to find out what a longitudinal wave is and how it differs from a transverse wave.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Musical Instruments
An A-to-Z directory of all the instruments and tools of the orchestra. Each entry includes a description, a picture, and a sound sample.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Organ Pipe
Learn about resonance with this activity where a tuning fork's sound can be amplified! The sound is amplified by holding the fork over a pipe and changing the pipe's length.
Read Works
Read Works: Tuning a Piano
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about a man who works as a piano tuner. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Sound, Pitch, and Conduction
Lesson for primary elementary about sound. Students learn about pitch, air conduction, and bone conduction.
The Franklin Institute
Franklin Institute: Sound Lessons by Fifth Graders
Resource provides five easy-to-follow lessons that you can do with your class to teach the science of sound.