Science Smarts: For those who missed out at the Tigers game, a fun simple experiment for all

By Patty Rooks on January 27, 2024.

Praxis was the lucky recipient to be at the Co-op Place Community Corner last week and what a great time I had with my volunteers and the fans! I came up with a fun simple experiment that people could take home and do, and it was so popular that we ran out. If you were at the Tigers hockey game and did not get one of our activities, here you go. Let’s get started!

*Remember to ask an adult before doing this experiment.

Materials

– Two large popsicle sticks (extra large work best)

– Five rubber bands

– Plastic straw

– Scissors

Procedure

1. Cut the plastic straw into four pieces.

2. Place the popsicle sticks on top of each other.

3. Secure the popsicle sticks together by stretching a rubber band lengthwise over the two sticks. If it does not hold, add another one so it is nice and tight.

4. Wrap a rubber band about one centimetre from the end of the popsicle stick width wise this time.

5. Insert one piece of the straw between the two popsicle sticks about two finger widths away (it is not going to be easy and be careful you do not break the rubber bands).

6. Measure another two finger widths and put another piece of straw. Repeat until you have used up all the pieces of straw.

7. Carefully wrap another rubber band around the middle of the popsicle sticks.

8. Finally, place the last rubber band width wise at the end of the popsicle sticks that do not have a rubber band yet.

9. Your musical instrument is now ready to be tested!

10. Hold your instrument like a sandwich – pinch it between your forefinger and thumb on each hand (ideally over the rubber bands on the end) and gently blow into the SPACES between the popsicle sticks NOT the straws – quickly moving it back and forth like a harmonica.

11. What happens?

What is going on?

The sound your musical instrument made is due to the rubber band vibrating as you blow into the popsicle sticks – perhaps you even felt the vibrations on your lips as you were blowing. I found it kind of tickly on my lips!

Try making other musical instruments with simple materials OR try changing up how many rubber bands or straws you use. Hmmm, perhaps this is a science fair project in the making?!

Keep an eye out for the Regional Science Fair Registration opening Very soon. Mark your calendars as the Virtual Science Fair registration deadline is March 4 and the in person science fair will be on March 23 at Medicine Hat College. I hope to see you there!

Patty Rooks, Senior Scientific Consultant PRAXIS, “Connecting Science To The Community.” Contact Praxis at praxis@praxismh.ca, http://www.praxismh.ca, Tweet or follow us @PraxisMedHat, or friend us on Facebook. Address: 12 826 11th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1T7 Phone: 403-527-5365, email: praxis@praxismh.ca.

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