Ms. Tyese Perkins and Mrs. Sheryl Coleman's classes are beginning their module called "Physics of Sound". Students will be investigating the fundamental principles of sound generation, how sound travels, and some of the physical characteristics of the energy form we call sound. They will investigate musical instruments to see what they can find out about pitch and volume and how to control or modify systems to control the sounds they make.

Parents can help their child at home by looking at any musical instruments they have at home.  You can help your child study its design and figure out how it makes sound, what is vibrating, and how the player controls the rate of vibration to create different pitches.

The first lesson required the students to build a drop chamber using poster board, cardboard and brass fasteners. Using a variety of objects made of different materials, the students dropped an object into the drop chamber. They tried to identify the object by listening to the sound it made.

To see photos of both classes with a drop chamber, click here:

http://www.westhillselementaryschool.com/?PageName='TeacherPage'&Page='PhotoAlbum'&StaffID='11142'