The question posed for this lesson: How can you turn a Popsicle stick into an instrument that changes pitch?
As the students explored their various ideas in small groups, one thing continues to be clear....these kids have GREAT ideas! The first idea was to hold the stick while plucking the end to cause a vibration. Then, change the length of the stick to change the pitch. The second idea was to hold the stick flush to the desk with one hand and pluck the end of the stick that hangs over the edge of the desk with a free hand. Again, the kids knew to move the stick to change the pitch.
Our results? Holding the stick DIDN'T work because our hands absorbed most of the vibrations. However, the desk idea worked beautifully.
More importantly, we learned that science is all about failing! You learn from your mistakes and try something else.
Here, Sarah is exploring how pitch changes with the amount of water in a jar.