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Science Experiments With Ears for Children

Science projects involving the ear can be a participatory way for children to learn about how we perceive sounds. Hands-on activities involving the students' direct participation will make the learning process interactive and exciting. There are many ways to experiment with how the ear perceives sound vibrations. A combination of experiments will give the student a holistic understanding of how the ear perceives sound vibrations.

Sound Vizualizers
- The human ear perceives sound waves, which are not visible. The best way for students to understand this process and to demonstrate their understanding at a science fair is to find a way to make these waves visible to a viewer. Create a sound visualizer from a balloon and a tin can. Cut off the ends of the can, removing sharp and jagged edges that might cause harm. Trim off the opening of the balloon at the neck. Place the balloon across one end of the can, pulling it tight across the opening. Paste a mirror onto the center of the balloon's surface. Direct the beam of a flashlight onto the mirror, causing it to reflect onto a wall or flat surface. Ask a volunteer to say something into the can. The sound vibrations from the voice will make the mirror vibrate on the surface of the balloon. The reflection on the wall will show the movements of sound.
Distorting Sound
- Select a sound source and several different objects to distort the sound. Place the objects at various distances in front of the source of the sound. Sit on the opposite side at a set distance. Record how the objects distort the sounds from the source. Try a variety of objects and distances to better understand the way sound waves travel to the ear to create sound.
Decibel Levels
- Test the decibel levels of sound created by a hammer on differing materials. Set up a variety of materials, such as planks or metal objects, to test. Strike each object with the hammer, using a decibel meter to record the sound levels. Wear safety goggles when using the hammer and have audience members stand at a safe distance. Explain that the ear perceives sound at differing decibel levels.
Feeling Sound
- Craft a foil vibration helmet to allow audience members to feel sound vibrations. Shape two large pieces of foil around the head of a volunteer. Cover the entire face, leaving some room between the mouth and foil so the person can breathe. Ask the volunteer to make a sound, such as "ooohh." When he makes the sound, the helmet will vibrate. Explain that the vibrations he feels are sound vibrations in the moving air, which is how the ear perceives sound.

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