Spoon Bell Lab | Exploring Sound Energy Waves In Solids | Science Experiment

Easy prep and engaging lab exploring how sound waves travel through solids. Students will compare how sound travels through plastics and metals. Warning this lab is quiet and full of sounds at the same time! It was developed to be conducted in 30 minutes. The lesson expands to compare stainless steel and sterling silver for a real-world connection. A teacher guide and student reading passage are included.

Teachers will like the background information and tips for success. The supplies are simple and easy to find. You can modify it to save money. You can find it all at the dollar store or already have the supplies. The experiment can also be adjusted for multiple grade levels. Teachers will enjoy the "FUN" of this experiment. Teachers will like that it teaches both properties of matter and sound at the same time. We included ideas for allowing kids to explore further.

A pre-created template for Easel by TPT is included. Just click "Open in Easel" on the product page. You can modify as needed. Please make sure you still download the PDF to see the complete teacher guide, tips for set-up, and TOU. Students most likely have these supplies at home so it can be conducted in a virtual setting or as an at-home assignment.

Students will enjoy making the spoon bell sound. They will test two variables to explore how sound travels from a solid to a solid. Students will discover that metal is elastic and plastics are viscoelastic. Students will want to explore further with other types of spoons or strings. The reading passage will help older students learn the vocabulary.

Appropriate for multiple grade levels. How deep you go into the science is up to you. All explanations are provided with vocabulary. Younger grades focus on the concept that sound travels as waves and the properties of solids. Older grades can expand into frequency and pitch. They should discuss it at a more molecular level and explore the differences between plastics and metals. The reading passages are written for the higher grade levels.

Included in the Hands-On Activity

• Background Information, Tips, and Vocabulary
• Hands-on Activity Page: Spoon Bell Sound Waves
• Summary Page/ Reading Passage- Sound is a Type of Energy
• Reading Passage- Will all Metal Spoons Make the Same Sound?
• Answer Keys

Supplies

String or yarn, metal spoons, Plastic Spoons, Ruler, and if you explore further you may want other types of spoons and strings to test.

The 30 Minute Lab is part of a series. It evolved from being a science lab teacher. I see K-5 students once a week. I only get about 45 minutes with them. This allows me to introduce a topic in a fun, investigative way. It allows the students to have hands-on experience before the regular teacher teaches the concepts and terms. It also helps give the students an experience with the concept before introducing a STEM challenge on the topic. We always say lab before vocab.

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Yours in Science,

Kimberly Scott

Inspiring Lifelong Learnings through a Memorable Scientific Experience

All parts are copyrighted. Please see the terms of use in the download. Please use good lab practices. The seller is not responsible for the use or misuse of the activities.