2.8(C): Design and build a device using tools and materials that uses sound…
Design and build a device using tools and materials that uses sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance (cup-and-string telephone).
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science outcome 2.8(C) (Force, motion, and energy) for Grade 2 says: “Design and build a device using tools and materials that uses sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance (cup-and-string telephone).” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Science.
Sound: Can You See a Sound? Grades K–2
Can you see a sound? Young scientists make rice dance on a drum, talk through a string telephone and build a rubber-band guitar to find out that every sound starts with something shaking.
- Can you see a sound? 40–45 min
Children make grains of rice jump on a plastic-wrap drum, pluck rubber bands on a box and twang rulers on the edge of a table. They find out that every sound they make comes from something shaking back and forth very fast.
- Can a string carry your voice? 45 min
Children build cup-and-string telephones and test them with the string tight, loose and pinched, then compare different kinds of string. They find out that a tight string carries the shake of their voice from one cup to the other.
- How do you make a high note or a low note? 45 min
Children build a rubber-band guitar with thick and thin bands and blow across plastic bottles holding different amounts of water. They find out that fast shaking makes a high note and slow shaking makes a low note.
Printable practice for 2.8(C)
- Sound: Can You See a Sound? workbook included with the unit
2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 word wall, 1 English-support page, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
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Compared with NGSS: 1-PS4-4.
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