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Learn · At home or in class

Make a note. Stop a note.

A tissue box and a rubber band become a tiny sound investigation. Watch, listen, and feel the difference.

Grade 1Science10 minutesAdult help needed
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Your discovery goal

Connect a rubber band's vibration with its sound by comparing a freely moving band with a gently stopped band.

A little help from a grown-up

Before you begin

A grown-up removes any plastic from the opening and fits the band around the box, across the hole, without overstretching it. Check that a gentle pluck makes a visible movement and a sound.

Let’s give it a try.

Tick each step as you go. There’s no rush to wonder.

Pause and wonder

What did you discover?

Notice the moving band and its twang. Touching it gently can stop the movement and shorten the sound; plucking starts the vibration again.