Science

: Sound chimes

Approach: Station

Level: Year 8 & year 4

Resources: Bolt chimes:4 bolts of different sizes, suspended on a string from a wire frame mounted on a wooden base. Bolts decreasing in size from bolt A to bolt D. Large nail to use as a striker.

Questions / instructions:
In this activity you will be making sounds with the bolt chimes. Think first. Do not touch the chimes yet. Before you touch anything, think about which bolt will have the highest note when you hit it.

% responses

1. I think bolt ______ will have the highest note.

Prediction: Bolt D
A
other

37
48
15

58
33
9

Now try it.
Hit each bolt on the chime with the striker.
2. Which bolt has the highest note?

Observed high: D
A
other

30
49
21

52
35
13

3. Which bolt has the lowest note?

Observed low: A
D
other

30
59
11

52
41
7

4. Explain why the bolt in question 3 gives the lowest note.

Good explanation
Because larger
Because smaller

4
23
44

12
40
33

5. Do the notes change if you hit the bolts harder than before?
What happens?

Volume change

6. Hold the longest bolt while you hit it. What do you notice?

Duller, less vibration, shorter sound
Why does this happen? Stops vibration

26
19

41
53

Here is a picture of a pan flute. It is made of hollow tubes. When a tube is blown, it makes a sound.

36
56
8

60
38
2

7. Draw a circle around the tube you think will make the lowest note.

longest tube
shortest tube
other

Commentary:
Many students seemed to have difficulty hearing pitch differences accurately.

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