Activity Overview
Kids always have such fun with music and what better way to engage them than to give them the opportunity make the instruments themselves. Popsicle Stick Harmonicas are simple to construct from items that you very likely have at home. Children of all ages will be able to experiment with vibration and sound and this science experiment craft will get use far beyond the craft making process. This experiment will have kids investigating how sound works and why a sound might be high pitched or low pitched.
Materials you will need
- 2 popsicle sticks
- 1 large rubber band
- 2 Smaller rubber bands
- 2 pieces of craft paper that measure 1 inch x 3 inches
- scotch tape
How It Is Made
- Place one popsicle craft stick on top of the other with one piece of craft paper strip placed 1.5 cm from each end.
- Fold each piece of paper over and secure it with scotch tape. Be sure not to adhere the tape to any portion of the wooden craft sticks.
- Gently slip out the bottom stick.
- Stretch the large rubber band longways around the length of the top stick.
- Place the bottom stick underneath the top rubber banded stick and secure both ends tightly with the two small rubber bands.
- Blow through the middle to make some noise, adjusting the placement of the paper slides closer together or farther apart and observe the change in sounds. The combination of the air and the vibration of the sticks make the sound for these cute and user friendly instruments.
