Hummer

Summary

Make a hummer, and figure out how the sound is made.

Science content

Physics: Light and Sound (1)

Science competencies (+ questioning + manipulation + others that are in every activity)

Questioning/predicting: predicting (1 up), hypothesizing (7)

Planning/conducting: data collection/recording (K up)

Planning/conducting: planning investigations (3 up)

Processing/analyzing: classifying data, finding patterns (1 up)

Processing/analyzing: comparing observations with predictions (1 up)

Processing/analyzing: considering alternative explanations (5 up)

Evaluating: inferring (3 up)

Lessons activity is in

Sound: noise makers

Materials

popsicle stick
two erasers that fit on the end of a pencil
index card
scissors
stapler
string, about 80cm
wide rubber band #64

Procedure

From:
https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/bee-hummer

Students can be instructed on how to make the hummer, or ask them to look at a model and figure out how to make it themselves (skills in careful observation, trial and error testing).

Put the erasers on the end of the posicle stick.
Cut the index card so that it fits between the erasers, then staple it to the popsicle stick.
Tie the string onto the posicle stick, beside the index card.
Stretch the rubber band around the erasers.
Hold the end of the string and swing the hummer around your head.

Tip: the rubber band must be flat (not twisted) for this to work.

Discuss how the sound is made:
As the hummer moves it makes the rubber band vibrate. The index card amplifies the sound.

Students can try changing the rubber band for a different size to see how it changes the sound.

Notes

When trying different rubber bands, the flat ones seem to work best.
Sometimes two notes are heard - maybe harmonics?
Instead of erasers, use corks or tape.

Grades taught

Gr 1

Gr 2

Gr 3

Gr 4

Activity