5 Sound Wave Experiments for Kids
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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!
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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.
![sound experiments for 4th grade magic ear trick- hearing lesson](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/magic-ear-trick-hearing-lesson-1024x768.jpg)
Place the end pieces in each ear.
![sound experiments for 4th grade sound wave experiments for kids- ear trick](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Super-Fun-Ear-Trick-1024x1024.jpg)
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!
![sound experiments for 4th grade hearing 5 senses lesson](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/hearing-5-senses-lesson-768x1024.jpg)
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
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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.
![sound experiments for 4th grade Cup and string phone](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Cup-and-string-phone-512x1024.png)
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.
![sound experiments for 4th grade cup string telephone](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/cup-string-telephone-768x1024.jpg)
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
![sound experiments for 4th grade Sound waves experiment- buzzing bug noisemaker](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/buzzing-bug-noise-maker.jpg)
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!
![sound experiments for 4th grade](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/dancing-sugar-sound-experiment-for-kids-768x1024.jpg)
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.
![sound experiments for 4th grade Ear book- sound waves for kids](https://teachbesideme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/51IbTiJbWKL.jpg)
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!
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Fun Sound Experiments for Kids to Add to Your Sound Energy Lessons
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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.
![sound experiments for 4th grade science task cards](https://cdn.teachstarter.com/fileserver/2022/02/science-task-cards-1200x897.jpg)
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!
![sound experiments for 4th grade design your own musical instrument](https://cdn.teachstarter.com/fileserver/2022/02/design-your-own-musical-instrument-1200x897.jpg)
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 !
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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.
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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!
Learn Science with Kids Academy Classroom!
Do you want to teach your children more about sound or other science topics? Kids Academy Classroom is at your service! Equipped with our extensive learning resource library, it allows teachers and parents to create lessons and share them with the young smarties in a couple of clicks. Check out this science Classroom featuring the Sound Is All Around Us lesson for 1st grade: OPEN THE CLASSROOM . After clicking "Next", you'll find a set-up lesson with an educational video, accompanied by practice worksheets and summary quiz to help kids better understand and remember the learned material.
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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!
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Top 10 Sound Experiments: Fun & Easy
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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.
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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.
Experiment with different sounds and volumes and note how the salt moves in relation to the sound. We found putting a bluetooth speaker inside the bowl before covering the top with plastic wrap helped a bit. Play something with a thumpy bass line and watch you grains dance across the plastic.
Drinking Glass Bells
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
We got some of these “Pull and Pop” tubes for the kids to play with. They’re fun on their own, but we discovered a cool sound experiment playing with them. If you expand a tube all the way and swing it around in a circle, it makes a cool sound. The corrugated shape lends itself well to sound. These kids toys are also known as a whirly tube, corrugaphone, or bloogle resonator.
What’s Happening?
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
![Blue Man Group Pipe Medley (with Crazy Train & Lady Gaga) Blue Man Group Pipe Medley (with Crazy Train & Lady Gaga)](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lhkKIxw_1fw/hqdefault.jpg)
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 .
Howie Miller is as dedicated to fatherhood as he is to life long learning. Musician, Photographer, Educator, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Blogger, and founder of STEMtropolis, where you can share his adventures in STEM and STEAM with his family.
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Sound Experiment for Kids to See Sound
I love science! There are so many hands-on science experiments you can do with kids! Right now we are learning all about sound in our classroom. I have personally found that having a sound experiment for kids to demonstrate what they are learning is the best way for children to really understand the material.
So, I came up with a few sound experiments for kids, including my favourite tuning fork sound experiment and vibrating rice.
Keep reading for a few simple, hands-on ways to making learning about sound fun and meaningful.
The experiments work well in the classroom or at home.
Introducing big, but important concepts, such as sound and hearing, to young children may seem early; however, I am always amazed by how much children of all ages learn from hands-on science experiments.
When children are interested in a topic, they absorb and understand a lot of the material.
Slinky Sound Experiments
Kids are naturally drawn to do experiments and play and explore with their hands. I like to do this sound experiment with kids as a way to introduce big science concepts to young minds.
I have done this experiment with kids aged 3-10 and it is a hit with all of them. All you need is a slinky. A large one works best, but any size will work.
Sound Experiments Steps
I started by using a large slinky and having one child and I hold the ends on opposite sides of the carpet. I banged the slinky to send a wave to the other side. We talked about how sound travels in waves.
A big, fast wave equals a loud sound – like someone yelling. A small, slow sound wave may be someone humming. I either hummed or yelled as I banged the slinky to replicate how the volume and sound travels.
Sound Waves
Sound Experiment
The main idea you want to make clear is that sound travels in waves. Also, it is important that children know that sound waves are invisible.
The slinky is just a fun way to show what we can’t otherwise see.
Some students even noticed the slinky bounce back after reaching the student holding the other end of the slinky. This was a great chance to discuss echoes and how sound bounces.
Fork a Sound Experiments
This is perhaps my favorite sound experiment for kids! I love the excitement that it causes and the ‘explosive’ result. Also, kids of all ages are able to get hands-on and do the experiment. You only need a few materials:
- Plastic Wrap
- Uncooked rice or Large Sparkles (I added some food coloring to mine, but the color is just for fun.)
- Tuning Forks
Since I did this experiment with several groups, I had several containers ready to go. I grouped Children into groups. The smaller the groups the better.
Cover each container tightly with plastic wrap. The wrap has to be tight or the experiment will not work.
To start, I introduced the children to tuning forks. Many had not used or seen one before. Some recognized the fork being used in their music class before.
I gently banged one of the forks onto the carpet and held it up. We could hear a bit of a sound coming from the fork.
I had a child beside me gently touch the fork. They were able to feel that it was vibrating, but as soon as they touched the tuning fork the vibrations stopped.
We talked about the fact that when it was vibrating, it was making a sound. When it stopped vibrating, the sound also stopped.
Children then each had a chance to gently try out the tuning forks. They loved the hands-on experience. (I would suggest making sure to tell children not to hit the tuning forks too hard. Just a bit of a bump will work. Also make sure they are not banging it on anything that could break.)
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Next, children went to the tables with a small group. Each group got a container with the plastic wrap stretched across it. I then gave each group a small container of rice. You only need a small amount for each group.
Also, the more rice you give each group the more clean up there will be. The rice will go flying!!! (But that’s also the fun of the experiment.)
Children then pour the rice onto the plastic wrap. They make a guess what will happen once they touch the tuning fork to the plastic wrap.
Once they have guessed, they are ready to do the experiment.
![sound experiments for 4th grade sound experiment for kids](https://teachingideas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sound-experiment-for-kids-3-720x735.png)
When banged, the tuning fork vibrates, which creates a sound. Tap the fork so that it is making a sound, and vibrating.
Next, touch the vibrating fork to the plastic wrap, but be sure not to touch the side of the bowl. You only need to touch it gently to get the result.
As soon as the vibrating fork touches the plastic wrap, it sends vibrations across the wrap and to where the rice is sitting. These vibrations cause the rice to “jump” until the vibrations/sound stops.
The tuning forks are ideal to have on hand when teaching or learning about sound.
![sound experiments for 4th grade sound experiment for kids](https://teachingideas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sound-experiment-for-kids-4.png)
There was so much excitement in the room when the rice started bouncing everywhere! The mess is definitely worth the learning that occurred! Since the materials you need are so simple, you can repeat this tuning fork experiment several times.
I really wanted each child to be able to do the hands-on experiment. After each child got the rice to jump, the group worked together to gather the rice and put it back on the plastic wrap for the next child’s turn.
Repeat as many time as you wish!
![sound experiments for 4th grade sound experiment for kids](https://teachingideas.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/sound-experiment-for-kids-2.png)
Sound Experiments Extension Activity
The tuning fork experiment sparked so much interest in my classroom that I wanted to extend our activity for another science lesson. If you have all of the materials for the fork a sound experiment, all you need extra to do another experiment is water!
As an extension, you can remove the plastic wrap and fill the glass bowls with water. I also added a few drops of food coloring just for fun.
Repeat the experiment above by banging the tuning fork and then touch it to the container with water. Make sure to only touch the water, and not the container.
When the fork is touched to the water it makes the water splash out of the bowl. This sound experiment is an easy way to show kids that sound causes vibrations/movement. Happy experimenting!
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Sound Energy Unit – Grade 4
Sep 13, 2023
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Students learn how people make/detect sounds and the matter-energy story to explain how a singer shattered a glass. They identify noise problems in their community and design solutions to present to stakeholders. Students gather evidence to explain how a singer can shatter a glass with his voice, coordinating ideas about vibrations, pitch, volume, and energy to understand how sound travels and how people produce and detect sounds. They identify ‘Noisy Place’ problems in their school community and design/test prototypes of solutions to address the problems. Students apply what they learn to understand related phenomena relevant to their lives better (e.g., loud airplanes, how instruments work, or hearing loud sounds through walls).
- Teacher Unit Guide
- Grade 4 – Noisy Places_ Finding Solutions to Noisy Problems
- Grade 4 – sound unit student notebook
- Grade 4 Sound Unit – model scaffold template options
- Sound unit S entence starters for Claims & Evidence
- Sound Unit Overview – Using Models
- Here are some examples of students sharing their final reports of their Noisy Place project with their families via video: Student A (1:02), Student B (2:19), and Student C (1:26).
![sound experiments for 4th grade Grade 4 Sound Trajectory Student Learning. Unit order: introduce phenomenon and elicit ideas, human systems, decibels at a distance, seeing sound waves, update and revise models, matter and energy: knock knock!, insulation: stop that sound!, press for evidence-based explanations. Science Lesson Sequence: 1. Introduce phenomenon, Elicit Students' Ideas & Experiences (2 days) 2. Human Systems: Sending and Receiving Sounds (3 days) 3. Decibels at a Distance (3 days) 4. Seeing Sound Waves: Amplitude and Wavelength (2 days) 5. Knock, Knock: Sound moves through matter (molecules) (2 days) 6. Update models: Add, change, questions (1 day) 7. Stop that Sound! (2 days) 8. Optional: Finding the right pitch (resonance) (1 day) 9. Optional: How is sound different than wind? (more on molecules) (1 day) 10. Update models and develop final explanations using evidence (2-3 days) Engineering Design: Noisy Places: A. Brainstorm & data collection (3 days) B. Design a solution, build and test prototype (4 days) C. Proposing solutions to your school community (4+ days) The engineering project is embedded at intentional places. Use your professional discretion about the pacing and sequence of what makes the most sense for your students' sensemaking. The current placement falls just after the science lesson that gives students some useful conceptual information to inform their design process.](https://ambitiousscienceteaching.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-13-at-4.18.39-PM.png)
Alternative phenomena. There have been many iterations of this unit to help connect to students’ lives and what matters to them. We began by focusing on a singer who could shatter glass, then noticed how students were thinking about sound and noise in their own living and learning environments, and revised the unit to attend to noisy places in schools. There is an additional unit adaptation that intersects with noise pollution for orca whales. 4th Grade_ Orca Sound Whole Unit. NOTE this is not a complete unit, just elicitation and example activities & 4th Orca Sound Pollution Model Scaffold and Orca Sound Pollution.MultilingualScaffold.3-5Model .
What the curriculum does well…
- Model to explain
- Share and discuss
- Partner talk
- Culture, Families & Communities as Rightfully Belonging. Students have the opportunity to identify, define, design, prototype, and test solutions for a noise problem that affects them and/or others in their school community.
Justice-centered considerations…
- Musical instruments are not included in this sound unit; however, this may be a relevant avenue to explore with students as many students may play instruments. See the first-grade sound curriculum resource for examples.
- Students often bring up related experiences with sound, music, and noise during this unit, which are rich for productive conversations or modeling opportunities (and/or could turn into bigger advocacy projects). For example, airplane noise from flying overhead, sounds of sirens or honking outside, how elephants communicate feeling vibrations in the ground, etc., and many other references they share from things they’ve seen, read about, or experienced. Feel free to adjust or add additional lessons based on students’ experiences and interests related to sound.
- Ableism & Sound sensitivity. There are some brief readings/texts about hearing damage and people who are deaf and hard of hearing. This can be elevated to become a more significant thread in the unit if students are interested in learning more.
- Sound pollution for humans. Studying sound pollution can be tricky for students living in such conditions. Rather than carrying on victim narratives, we have found it important to find examples of community-based solutions. Joining these efforts is empowering for students.
- Sound pollution for more-than-human species. This unit can be connected to ecological caring and nature-culture relations. We have taught the unit with a focus on sound pollution for resident orca whales, including connections to local indigenous knowledge of living in relation to whales.
These critiques are starting places. Please feel free to change the student tools within this file and add or change activities based on the ideas your students bring up in class, and please critique our critiques!
Place-based engineering design & making learning matter : Students identified and investigated Noisy Place problems at their school. They defined the problem specifically by collecting data with their team at various times of day from that place using a decibel meter and making observational notes. Then, with their team, they decided on ways to reduce the noise with a built solution using what they’ve learned about how sound travels. They designed and tested a prototype in a shoebox physical model of the space. Here are some examples of students sharing their final reports of their Noisy Place project with their families via video: Student A (1:02), Student B (2:19), and Student C (1:26). Many students were concerned with the health of supervising staff members in the lunchroom and at recess. Students recognized they were at lunch or outside for a shorter time but supervising staff members often have supervision duties for an hour or longer at that noise level. Students were concerned because they knew those decibel levels could cause hearing loss after so much time so they asked if we had extra earplugs from a prior investigation to offer to staff. Students knew they didn’t want the lunchroom or playground to be quiet places, as they enjoy chatting with friends; however, they recognized the safety concerns for damaging their hearing as well as disturbing nearby classrooms.
![sound experiments for 4th grade An example of a noisy places engineering design. First students identified places around the school with noise issues. Places included the gym, stairwells. bus line/covered area outside. As a class, this teacher had students think together about the lunchroom sound to outline some reasons for this problem and how they could investigate the problem further by collecting data. Next students were pressed to justify some of their design decisions and/or materials they wanted to test to see if it would help solve the noisy place issue. This student here was writing about how foam helps change and reduce the sounds by reducing echoes. Third, students worked in teams to negotiate and compromise on a design to build a shoebox prototype to model the physical space with and without their designed solution. A simple circuit with buzzer mimicked the noise in that space and students tested designs to see how much the noise was reduced by their design. Then students discussed how well they think that design would work in the real world space.](https://ambitiousscienceteaching.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-13-at-4.06.59-PM.png)
Teacher Educators & Professional Learning
Design considerations.
- This unit builds on NGSS standards from the 1st grade.
- To introduce the phenomenon to teachers and AST, use this PowerPoint deck: AST intro with Sound Grade 4 – 3 hour introduction .
- Also, consider having teachers or pre-service teachers review student work using a noticing tool such as the Funds of Knowledge or RSST tool. Also, consider scaffolding a conversation with teachers about grading versus sensemaking.
Equity Questions for Teacher Reflection
- If students cannot draw out their ideas about sound, how might you support them in explaining in words what they think is happening?
- Are there any local or more relevant examples of sound waves interacting with objects that you can use to replace a singer breaking glass?
- During this unit, how will you develop a class culture that encourages students to offer their own ideas, examples, and explanations related to the unit?
- Over the course of a unit, many ideas and aspects of sound and energy will be explored. How might teachers support students in tracking, organizing, sharing, and co-authoring their understanding of the concepts?
Research and NGSS
Research article on how elementary students learn about sound. Veith, S.I. What’s the Matter with Sound? – How Primary School Students Perceive the Nature of Sound. Res Sci Educ 53 , 919–934 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11165-023-10108-7
- 4-PS3-2. Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound. [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include quantitative measurements of energy.]
- 4-PS4-1. Develop a model of waves to describe patterns in terms of amplitude and wavelength and that waves can cause objects to move. [Clarification Statement: Examples of models could include diagrams, analogies, and physical models using wire to illustrate wavelength and amplitude of waves.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include interference effects, electromagnetic waves, non-periodic waves, or quantitative models of amplitude and wavelength.]
- 4-PS4-3 . Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of solutions could include drums sending coded information through sound waves, using a grid of 1’s and 0’s representing black and white to send information about a picture, and using Morse code to send text.]
- 3-5-ETS1-3. Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.
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Science Fun
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4 Fun Sound Science Experiments Anyone Can Do
Sound science experiments:.
- Bug On A Leash
- Make A Crazy Kazoo
- Duck In A Cup
- Super Easy Pan Flute
WATCH FOUR FUN SOUND SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS ANYONE CAN DO
Description:
- Bug On A Leash – Make a fun bug wing simulator that makes a really cool sound.
- Make A Crazy Kazoo – This kazoo is super easy and sounds awesome.
- Duck In A Cup – The silly noise made by this contraption will “quack” you up its so cool.
- Super Easy Pan Flute – You’ll be making music in no time with this simple instrument.
Have fun exploring and learning about sound with these four fun sound science experiments.
EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!
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Science project, echoes: how sound waves are reflected and absorbed.
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Sound travels in waves, similar to light. If you shine a light onto a mirror the light bounces off the mirror so that the light shines in a different direction. The same is true for sound. Sound waves can reflect off of surfaces, redirecting the waves creating an echo. A gymnasium is a good example of how echoes are produced. The room is large with six hard surfaces, the four walls, floor, and ceiling. A few seconds after you yell you can hear it again because the sound waves bounced off of the six surfaces and back to your ear. In this experiment students will create echoes by yelling in spaces, such as an empty room, gymnasium, and bedroom.
Students will explore how sound waves are reflected and absorbed by producing echoes.
Find locations where you can produce an echo:
- Banquet hall
- Choose at least three locations to produce your echoes. You should choose at least two, large rooms that are empty and a large room filled with furniture.
- Stand at one end of the room and yell out, “Hello”. You can yell out whatever you would like.
- Did you hear an echo?
- Repeat for the remaining locations.
- What was different about the rooms that produced an echo and those that did not?
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- Light & Sound Experiments
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Star Wars Slinky Sounds!
An awesome sound effect!
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50 Exciting 4th Grade Science Projects and Experiments
Did you know you can make plastic from milk?
![sound experiments for 4th grade Collage of 4th grade science projects, including marble energy transfer and model seismometer](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-grade-science-projects-1.png)
Nothing gets kids more excited for science than hands-on experiments! Watch your 4th grade science students’ eyes light up when they try some of these activities. You’ll find physics, biology, engineering, chemistry, and more. These projects are easy to set up and really help drive the learning home. Get ready for some science fun!
To help you find the right 4th grade science projects and activities, we’ve rated them all based on difficulty and materials:
Difficulty:
- Easy: Low or no-prep experiments you can do pretty much any time
- Medium: These take a little more setup or a longer time to complete
- Advanced: Experiments like these take a fairly big commitment of time or effort
- Basic: Simple items you probably already have around the house
- Medium: Items that you might not already have but are easy to get your hands on
- Advanced: These require specialized or more expensive supplies to complete
4th Grade Science Fair Projects
4th grade stem challenge science projects, 4th grade motion and energy science activities.
- More 4th Grade Science Projects and Experiments
These 4th grade experiments also work well as science fair projects. Try changing up the variables to turn it into a real experiment, then form a hypothesis and find out what happens.
Blow unpoppable bubbles
![Fourth Grade Science Unpoppable Bubbles Student's gloved hand holding a soap bubble next to a window (Fourth Grade Science)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-unpoppable-bubbles.jpg)
Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Medium
A soap bubble you can hold in your hand? It’s true! A little glycerin makes the soap bubble layers stronger, so you can even toss them gently from person to person.
Learn more: Unpoppable Bubbles Experiment at Learning Resources
Grow crystal names
![4th Grade Science Experiments Crystals Playdough to Plato Crystalized pipe cleaner letters against a black background](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Crystals-Playdough-to-Plato.jpg)
No list of 4th grade science projects would be complete without crystals! Kids of all ages love growing crystals, making this an ideal way to learn about supersaturated solutions. The classic experiment gets a new twist when you have kids shape pipe cleaners into their own names first.
Learn more: Crystal Letters at Playdough to Plato
Grow bacteria in petri dishes
![4th Grade Science Experiments Petri Steve Spangler 6 petri dishes growing a variety of molds and bacteria](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Petri-Steve-Spangler.jpg)
Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Medium
Your students will truly feel like scientists when they perform this classic experiment. They’ll prep the dishes with agar, swab different surfaces, and see what bacteria they grow. It’s gross science, but it’s also easy and impressive.
Learn more: Growing Bacteria at Steve Spangler Science
See coastal erosion in action
![Fourth Grade Science Coastal Erosion Plastic bin filled with sand, shells, and water to simulate a beach, with a hand holding a plastic bottle in the water (Fourth Grade Science)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-coastal-erosion.jpg)
Here’s a cool experiment to include in your unit on oceans. Build a miniature coastline, then see how wave action erodes the shore.
Learn more: Erosion Experiment at Little Bins for Little Hands
Erupt a lemon volcano
![4th Grade Science Steam Powered Family Cut lemon in a blue bowl covered in colorful fizzy foam](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Steam-Powered-Family.jpg)
Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Basic
Early chemistry experiments with acids and bases are always a lot of fun. This one uses the natural acids of lemon juice and adds a little food coloring to up the wow factor.
Learn more: Lemon Volcano at STEAM Powered Family
Sink and float to explore density
![Fourth Grade Science Salt Water Density Series of glasses filled with liquid labeled baking soda water, sugar water, control plain water, and salt water, with red and blue objects floating in each](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-salt-water-density.jpg)
Adding items like salt or sugar to water changes its density, as does the temperature itself. Turn this into a 4th grade science fair project by experimenting with different solutions and forming hypotheses about the results.
Learn more: Salt Water Density at Science Kiddo
Discover a density rainbow
Difficulty: Medium / Materials: Basic
Colorful, simple, and impressive: It’s the trifecta of 4th grade science experiments! Wow your students by layering colored sugar water as you learn about density, adhesion, and cohesion.
Transform milk into plastic
Plastic seems incredibly modern, but people have been making casein plastic from milk for centuries. In this 4th grade science project, students experiment to create the formula for the best milk plastic. They’ll be amazed at the results!
Simulate an earthquake
![Fourth Grade Science Earthquake Simulation Fourth grade science teacher's hand shaking a pan of Jello topped with a house model made of toothpicks and marshmallows](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-earthquakes.jpg)
The ground under our feet may feel solid, but an earthquake changes that pretty quickly. Use Jell-O to simulate the Earth’s crust, then see if you can build an earthquake-proof structure for a practical and fascinating 4th grade science fair project.
Learn more: Earthquake Simulation at Teaching Science
Test Sharpie solubility
![4th Grade Science Around the Kampfire Coffee filters colored with marker, dipped into vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Around-the-Kampfire.jpg)
Find out if Sharpie markers are really permanent with this 4th grade science project that uses the scientific method to explore solutes and solvents.
Learn more: Sharpie Solubility at Around the Kampfire
Find out if mood rings really work
![4th Grade Science Education com Student's hand holding a blue mood ring in front of a thermometer](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Education-com.jpg)
Apply the rigors of the scientific method to mood rings ! Find out what makes mood rings change color, then see if they really reflect a person’s mood.
Learn more: Mood Rings Validity Test at Education.com
Create a new plant or animal
![Fourth Grade Science Create a Plant Science project showing an imaginary plant called a Snap-a-Doodle](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-create-a-plant.jpg)
Kids will really get into this project, indulging their creativity as they invent a plant or animal that’s never been seen before. They’ll need to be able to explain the biology behind it all, though, making this an in-depth project you can tailor to any class.
Learn more: Create an Organism at I Love 2 Teach
Investigate decomposition
![4th Grade Science Experiments Mold MysteryScience Plastic bag containing a plate of rotting food](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Mold-MysteryScience.jpg)
Difficulty: Easy / Materials: Easy
Yup, it’s gross … so kids will love it! Seal food items in a plastic bag and experiment to see what factors affect their decomposition, helped along by a heaping dose of mold.
Learn more: Decomposition at Mystery Science
Assemble a lung model
With just a few supplies including balloons and a plastic bottle, you can make an impressive working model of human lungs. This makes a very cool 4th grade science fair project.
Explore the causes of tooth decay
They hear it from their parents all the time, but this experiment will prove to your students once and for all what can happen to their teeth when exposed to different drinks such as soda and milk. This is one of those classic 4th grade science fair projects every kid should try.
For students who love to tinker, STEM challenges can spark incredible 4th grade science fair projects. Here are some of our favorites for this age group.
Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster
![Fourth Grade Science Drinking Straw Roller Coaster Student building a roller coaster of drinking straws for a ping pong ball (Fourth Grade Science)](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-straw-roller-coaster.jpg)
STEM challenges are always a hit with kids. We love this one, which only requires basic supplies like drinking straws . ( Get more 4th grade STEM challenges here. )
Learn more: Drinking Straw Roller Coaster at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Make a wigglebot
![4th Grade Science Experiments Wigglebot Research Parent Wigglebot made of a plastic cup and markers](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Wigglebot-Research-Parent.jpg)
Who knew electricity could be so adorable? Explore the science behind batteries and motors by creating a simple “wigglebot.” Experiment with weights to throw the motor off balance and create fun designs.
Learn more: Wigglebot at Research Parent
Construct a working flashlight
![4th Grade Science Experiments Flashlights MysteryScience Student using a flashlight made from a few supplies and an index card](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Flashlights-MysteryScience.jpg)
You’ll only need a few supplies to guide your students in building their own LED flashlights. They’ll learn how electricity travels and the way circuits work. The slideshow available through the link makes this lesson a breeze for teachers too.
Learn more: DIY Flashlight at Mystery Science
Build a hovercraft
![4th Grade Science Experiments Hovercraft Educationcom Inflated yellow balloon attached to a CD by a bottle cap](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Hovercraft-Educationcom.jpg)
It’s not exactly the same model the military uses, but this simple hovercraft is a lot easier to build. An old CD and a balloon help demonstrate air pressure and friction in this fun 4th grade science experiment.
Learn more: DIY Hovercraft at Education.com
Create a smartphone projector
![4th Grade Science Experiments Projector STEM Laboratory Cardboard box with a magnifying glass embedded in it, with a smart phone](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Projector-STEM-Laboratory.jpg)
No projector in your classroom yet? No problem! Have your students help you construct one for your smartphone using a cardboard box and large magnifying glass . They’ll learn about convex lenses and how the brain processes images too.
Learn more: DIY Smartphone Projector at The STEM Laboratory
Set up a pulley system
![4th Grade Science Experiments Pulleys 123 Homeschool 4 Me Pulley system made of cans and yarn mounted on a piece of cardboard](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Pulleys-123-Homeschool-4-Me.jpg)
The science of machines never fails to fascinate kids. In this experiment, they’ll design their own pulley system to make it easier to lift an object.
Learn more: DIY Pulley at 123 Homeschool 4 Me
Design a working elevator
Engineering activities make for amazing hands-on learning. Challenge your 4th grade students to build an elevator that can safely lift a certain amount of weight.
Make a model seismometer
![4th Grade Science Science Sparks Paper cup suspended by strings, with a marker sticking out the bottom making lines on a strip of paper](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Science-Sparks.jpg)
Explore the science of seismology and learn how scientists study earthquakes and their effects. This model seismometer is easy to build and fun to experiment with.
Learn more: Model Seismometer at Science Sparks
Conduct an egg drop
Here’s one more classic to add to our list of 4th grade science experiments: the egg drop! The great thing about this project is that kids can do it at any age, with different materials and heights to mix it up. Hit the link below to get an egg drop project designed just for 4th graders.
Learn more: Egg Drop Challenge Ideas
Demonstrate Newton’s laws of motion with balloon rockets
Who doesn’t love balloon rockets?! Your students will have a blast(off) displaying Newton’s third law of motion while learning about physics.
Many 4th grade science standards include units on energy and motion. These energy science activities offer cool hands-on ways to spice up your classroom lessons.
Flick marbles to learn transfer of energy
![Fourth Grade Science: Marble Energy Transfer Fourth grade science student flicking a marble along the ridge in a ruler](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-marble-energy.jpg)
This experiment is a bit of a thinker: What will happen when one moving marble hits several stationary marbles sitting in a row? Flick the first marble and find out!
Learn more: Marble Energy Transfer at Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
See energy transfer in action with sports balls
Place a tennis ball on top of a basketball and bounce them together to see how energy transfers from one object to another. This one is very easy, and kids will love seeing how high they can get the balls to bounce!
Go an on energy scavenger hunt
![4th Grade Energy Science Scavenger Hunt A printable energy scavenger hunt on bright green paper against a blue background](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-grade-energy-science-scavenger-hunt.jpg)
Emphasize the fact that energy is all around us in one form or another with this easy, free printable energy science activity. For a more advanced version, help students identify each kind of energy (kinetic, stored, heat, etc.) they find.
Learn more: Energy Scavenger Hunt at The Science Penguin
See a heat-powered windmill demonstrate convection
Heat rises, and its interaction with cooler air creates convection currents. Find out how we can put convection to work for us with this 4th grade science craft project.
Capture waves in a bottle
![Waves in a Bottle Plastic bottle with blue water and a toy ship inside](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/waves-in-a-bottle.jpg)
Here’s a quick and easy way to show wave action in a no-mess way. You don’t need to add a little ship to the bottle, but it does make it more fun!
Learn more: Waves in a Bottle at What I Have Learned Teaching
Assemble a wave machine
Turn this one into a class cooperative activity, or try it as a science fair project idea. Either way, it’s an incredibly fascinating way to demonstrate the energy science of waves.
Use a Slinky to demonstrate types of waves
A Slinky is more than just a toy—it’s also a terrific science manipulative! Use it to see waves in motion, both longitudinal and transverse.
Watch gravity beads prove Newton’s laws
![4th Grade Science Teach Beside Me Child holding a cup of blue bead strings, watching them flow out of the cup](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Teach-Beside-Me.jpg)
You’ll need a loooooooong string of beads for this experiment. Make your own by taping dollar-store strings together, or buy a long bead garland . Pile them in a cup and get the beads going; it’s fascinating to watch inertia and gravity at work.
Learn more: Gravity Beads at Teach Beside Me
Spin marble tops to learn about inertia
![Marble Tops Colorful marbles glued together in several pyramidal shapes](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/marble-tops.jpg)
Glue together marbles in a variety of pyramidal patterns to form tops, then form hypotheses about which will spin best. Afterwards, kids will have fun new toys to play with!
Learn more: Marble Tops at KidsActivities.com
Visualize the second law of motion with soda cans
Newton’s second law, concerning acceleration, force, and mass, can be a little hard to understand. This easy 4th grade science demo makes it a little easier to visualize.
More 4th Grade Science Projects and Activities
Use these cool science experiments to encourage a love of science, at home or in the classroom!
Measure a magnet’s attraction force
![Fourth Grade Science: Magnets Small magnet, paper clip, ruler, and instruction card](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-magnets.jpg)
Fourth grade science students already know that magnets attract metal objects. In this experiment, they’ll measure to see how close a magnet needs to be to an object for the attraction to work. Mix things up with different sizes of magnets and objects of various weights.
Learn more: Magnet Measurements at Ashleigh’s Education Journey
See light refraction in action
![Fourth Grade Science: Light Refraction Student dipping a drawing into a glass of water, using light refraction to make the color disappear](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-refraction.jpg)
This seems more like a magic trick, but we promise it’s science! Make colors seem to appear and disappear, change numbers into letters, and more.
Learn more: Light Refraction at Ronyes Tech
“Draw” on water with dry-erase marker
This is another one of those mind-blowing science demos that kids will want to try over and over again. Draw on a shallow bowl or plate with dry-erase markers , then slowly add water. The marker (which is insoluble in water) will float to the top!
Paint with sunscreen
![Fourth Grade Science: Sunscreen Painting Sun painted onto a piece of black construction paper using sunscreen](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/fourth-grade-science-sunscreen.jpg)
Prove that sunscreen really does provide protection from harmful UV rays. Turn this into a full-blown experiment by trying different SPFs or comparing it to other creams or lotions without SPF.
Learn more: Paint With Sunscreen at Team Cartwright
Become human sundials
![4th Grade Science Experiments Sundials Scholastic Fourth grade science students measuring their outlines drawn in sidewalk chalk on the playground](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Sundials-Scholastic.jpg)
Choose a sunny day and grab some sidewalk chalk—your students are about to become sundials! They’ll practice measuring skills and learn about the movement of the sun across the sky.
Learn more: Human Sundial at Rhythms of Play
Mine for chocolate chips
![4th Grade Science Sarahs STEM Stuff Student's hand digging through a crumbled cookie to pull out chocolate chips](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Sarahs-STEM-Stuff.jpg)
If you’re learning about mineral resources, this quick hands-on activity is an interesting way to explore the effects of mining. Kids have two minutes to find as many chocolate chips as they can in a cookie. Will they smash it up and destroy it entirely? Pick them out one by one? This experiment can lead to intriguing discussions.
Learn more: Mining for Chocolate Chips at Sarah’s STEM Stuff
Assemble an edible DNA model
![4th Grade Science Experiments DNA wikiHow Student holding a DNA model made from Twizzlers, colored marshmallows, and toothpicks](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-DNA-wikiHow.jpg)
Use licorice sticks, four different-colored candies or fruits, and toothpicks to build an edible strand of DNA. Learn about chemical bonds and the helix shape, then eat your creation!
Learn more: Edible DNA Model at wikiHow
Layer an edible soil model
![4th Grade Science Experiments Soil Super Teacher Blog Clear cup layered with chocolate chip bedrock, pudding subsoil, crushed cookie topsoil, and coconut grass](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Soil-Super-Teacher-Blog.jpg)
Digging in the dirt is fun, but it’s even more fun when you can eat the dirt when you’re finished! Create edible soil-layer models, complete with gummy worms, for a simple earth science project. ( Find more edible science projects here. )
Learn more: Edible Soil Layers at Super Teacher Blog
Turn a penny green
![4th Grade Science Experiments Pennies Buggy and Buddy Five pennies turned various shades of green](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Pennies-Buggy-and-Buddy.jpg)
Experiment with simple chemical reactions as you turn pennies green using vinegar. (Don’t forget to tell students that the Statue of Liberty is green for this very same reason!)
Learn more: Penny Reactions at Buggy and Buddy
Use marshmallows to explore Boyle’s law
![4th Grade Science Hojos Teaching Adventures Fourth grade science students holding large syringes filled with colorful marshmallows](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Hojos-Teaching-Adventures.jpg)
Seeing Boyle’s law (which relates pressure and volume of gasses) in action makes it a little easier to understand and remember. This simple 4th grade science experiment uses marshmallows to make a great visual.
Learn more: Boyle’s Law at Hojo’s Teaching Adventures
Form ocean currents
![4th Grade Science Experiments Currents Life Over Cs Glass pan full of blue and purple swirls of water, with ice cubes and plastic sea creatures](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Currents-Life-Over-Cs.jpg)
Learning about oceanography? Demonstrate how ocean currents form using warm and cold water (and a few plastic sea creatures for extra fun!).
Learn more: Ocean Currents at Life Over C’s
Understand the impact of non-renewable resources
![4th Grade Science The Owl Teacher Index cards with various pasta types glued to them, including rotini, rigatoni, and shells](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-The-Owl-Teacher.jpg)
This is a neat Earth Day activity . Discuss the differences between renewable and non-renewable resources, then have your class form “companies” to “mine” non-renewable resources. As they compete, they’ll see how quickly the resources are used. It’s a great tie-in to energy conservation discussions.
Learn more: Non-Renewable Resources at The Owl Teacher
Explore blood components
![4th Grade Science Experiments Blood Almost Supermom Glass jars full of corn syrup, red candy, and marshmallows](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/4th-Grade-Science-Experiments-Blood-Almost-Supermom-1.jpg)
Use simple kitchen supplies to create a jar full of “blood” that includes plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. (You can even snack on the blood cells along the way!)
Learn more: Blood Model at Almost Supermom
Create cool colors with candy
Learn about diffusion in the sweetest way! Grab a bag of Skittles for this quick and easy 4th grade science project.
Wow them with glowing water
![Glowing Water Experiment Three bottles of water, one clear, one glowing blow, and one glowing green](https://www.weareteachers.com/wp-content/uploads/Glowing-black-light-experiment-400x225.jpg)
Your students will ooh and aah at the result of this exploratory way to show phosphors in action with a black light, different types of water, and a highlighter. The results of this experiment might surprise both you and your students!
Learn more: Glowing Water Experiment at Cool Science Experiments Headquarters
Keep the STEM excitement going with these 25 Fantastic Free 4th Grade Math Games .
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Sound Experiments
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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.😉
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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.
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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.
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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.
![sound experiments for 4th grade sound experiments for 4th grade](https://i0.wp.com/andreaknightteacherauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/sound-experiments.jpeg?ssl=1)
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.
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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.
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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
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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 .
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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.
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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
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LIGHT AND SOUND SCIENCE UNIT
Happy teaching!
MORE SCIENCE POSTS FOR 1ST GRADE
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In the Loop
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3. A Kazoo Like a Drum. With the Make a Kazoo activity, students make a simple kazoo from a cardboard tube and then perform a series of tests to see how the sound from the kazoo changes as the design of the kazoo changes. Although tubular in form, the way a kazoo makes noise is similar to how a drum works, as sound waves bounce down the tube to strike the covering (membrane) at the end.
Here is a compilation of four of our favorite sound science experiments that anyone can do. These experiments and activities are simple to perform, inexpensi...
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.
4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade All Grades → ... 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, ...
This article shares 7 cool sound science experiments your child will love! Toggle navigation Go Ad-Free Worksheets. Grades. Preschool Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3. ... Check out this science Classroom featuring the Sound Is All Around Us lesson for 1st grade: OPEN THE CLASSROOM. After clicking "Next", you'll find a set-up lesson with an ...
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
Explore the science of sound with these 4 experiments, then use your knowledge to make your own DIY instrument! Read about the science behind these here: htt...
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!
Right now we are learning all about sound in our classroom. I have personally found that having a sound experiment for kids to demonstrate what they are learning is the best way for children to really understand the material. So, I came up with a few sound experiments for kids, including my favourite tuning fork sound experiment and vibrating rice.
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.
Design considerations This unit builds on NGSS standards from the 1st grade. To introduce the phenomenon to teachers and AST, use this PowerPoint deck: AST intro with Sound Grade 4 - 3 hour introduction. Also, consider having teachers or pre-service teachers review student work using a noticing tool such as the Funds of Knowledge or RSST tool.
Chicago Parent's second installment of "This is Science," experiments with making sounds and explaining how sound waves work. This series of experiments are...
Sound Science Experiments: Bug On A Leash Make A Crazy Kazoo Duck In A Cup Super Easy Pan Flute WATCH FOUR FUN SOUND SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS ANYONE CAN DO Description: Bug On A Leash - Make a fun bug wing simulator that makes a really cool sound. Make A Crazy Kazoo - This kazoo is super easy and sounds awesome. Duck In A Cup - The silly noise made by this contraption will "quack" you up its so ...
This experiment demonstrates how sound travels, using nothing more than a spoon and a string! Loading... Choose an Account to Log In. Log in with different email. ... 4th grade . Science project. Speed of Sound. Worksheet. Speed of Sound. How fast does sound travel? Help your child figure out the physics of sound waves with this informative ...
Today we did our first experiment with sound. The experiment was an activity that allowed us to play with tuning forks to see how sound travels and can create movement in objects. Worksheet Answers : Lesson 6. Reflecting Light : Our next light experiment focused on the property of light stating that light can be reflected.
Every time a sound is produced it emits a sound wave. This experiment demonstrates how sound travels, using nothing more than a spoon and a string! ... 4th grade . Reading & Writing . Worksheet. A Thunderous Sound. Science project. A Thunderous Sound. Science fair project that examines what causes thunder and why a thunderclap sounds so loud. ...
Light & sound experiments are easy to setup & are awesome for kids! Find science activities chosen by educators that teach how light & sound really work.
This is one of those classic 4th grade science fair projects every kid should try. 4th Grade STEM Challenge Science Projects. For students who love to tinker, STEM challenges can spark incredible 4th grade science fair projects. Here are some of our favorites for this age group. Engineer a drinking-straw roller coaster Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls
Thousands of parents and educators are turning to the kids' learning app that makes real learning truly fun. Try Kids Academy with 3-day FREE TRIAL! https:/...
50 Science Experiments for Fourth Graders. Your 4th grader will love these cool science experiments and science activities that you can do together on the weekend or after school. 1. Lava Lamp. Overview: This simple experiment is especially a hit with 4th graders (and all ages), and it will take their favorite adults back a few decades, too!
Sign up for Cool Science Experiments FREE Weekly Newsletter: http://coolscienceexperimentshq.com/subscribe=====How to See S...
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 ...
Here you will see an experiment with different sounds made by glasses and water.