Physical Science, New York EditionUnit 3:
Energy on the MoveMusical instrumentProject Type - Model Student Task:
Ask student to design their own creative musical instrument. Each instrument should demonstrate a full scale and be able to be tuned to the proper pitch. Applying appropriate physics terms, students should be able to explain how their instrument produces a variety of sounds. Using a simple musical score ("Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," for example) have students participate in an all-class orchestra with the physics musical instruments. Possible Instrument - Shoe Box Guitar
Materials:
Shoe Box with the lid
Scissors
Large Rubber Bands
Tape
Paper towel tube Instructions:
1) Tape shoe box lid to the shoe box.
2) In the center of the top of the box cut a six inch hole
3) Cut a two inch hole at one of the ends of the box
4) Push the paper towel tube in the two inch hole (This creates the neck of your guitar.)
5) Stretch the rubber bands around the box. Time:
1 class period to create the instrument and 1 class period to explain physics principles. Resources:
Visit these web sites for more information musical instruments, sound, and physics. Characteristics of Sound
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/physics/u5c42phy.html Sound Properties and their Perception
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/sound/u11l2d.html Physics of the Plucked String
http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/harmonics.html How Acoustic Guitar Works?
http://stuffo.howstuffworks.com/guitar.htm Rubric:  Click here for a rubric to help you score this project.
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