Louis, the trumpeter swan, knows he's different from other swans. All of his other
friends can talk to one another in their own special language. But Louis is sad because he
cannot make any sounds. All creatures make sounds. Do you think this is this
important? What do you need in order to make sound? Be like Sam Beaver and discover
a way to help Louis communicate with his friends.
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Task:
After reading the book, Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White, work with a partner to
find out more information about how sound is produced. You will want to learn about
pitch, vibration, and how sound travels.
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Process:
A. Trumpeter swans make a high pitched sound to attract the attention of other
swans. Other animals, like a cow, make low pitched sounds. Using what you know
about animal sounds, complete the table comparing
High Pitch Animal
Sounds In Between Animal
Sounds Low Pitch Animal
Sounds
1.
1.
1.
2.
2.
2.
3.
3.
3.
B. Get ready to experiment! Now that you know there are many different pitches in
sound, what causes these differences in pitch? With your science group, complete
the FOSS "Good Vibrations" activity to learn more about high and low
pitched sounds!
Now that you have completed the "Good Vibrations" activity, what can
you tell Louis about the problem he is having with making sounds? On a
separate piece of paper, write a letter to Louis, explaining how pitch and vibration work
together to make sound.
C. Now that you are a "Sound Expert," use what you have learned to
create a new musical instrument for Louis. Your instrument should be constructed
from common, everyday items you can find around your home. Use the following
guidelines to give you some ideas. Be sure that your instrument demonstrates
different pitches and be ready to explain how vibration creates these pitches.
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Resources:
FOSS Britannica Science System "Physics of Sound" manual
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
How Do Animals Talk by Susan Mayes
All About Sound by David Knight
The Super Science Book of Sound by David Glover
www.yahooligans.com/downloader/sounds/animals
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Evaluation:
Your letter will be evaluated by these guidelines:
___/5pts. Letter completed on time and shows neatness and effort.
___/5 pts. Letter to Louis includes five parts of a letter.
___/5pts. Sentences begin with capital letters and proper punctuation is used.
___/5pts. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the concepts of pitch and
vibration.
Your musical instrument will be evaluated by these guidelines:
___/5 pts. Your instrument will be evaluated by these guidelines:
___/5 pts. Instrument is completed on time and shows neatness and effort.
___/5 pts. Instrument uses at least 3 different materials.
___/5 pts. Instrument can be played at different pitches.
___/5pts. Able to explain role of vibration in creating sound.
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Conclusion:
Now that you have become an expert in sound, why not try a challenge? Take a look at
several different musical instruments and predict what type of pitch each instrument will
produce. Can you see the source of the vibration or is it hidden? Or, create a
game by taping different animal sounds while others try to
name the animals.
Authors: Jennifer Klainos, Janine Roe, Lisa Peterson, Mary Smith
Created: October 8, 1999
