How to see Sound?

What does sound look like? This fun 5-item science experiment helps kids “see” sound waves and have fun while doing it.

In this article, we include a demonstration video, a supplies list, detailed printable instructions, experiment variations, and an easy to understand scientific explanation of how it works.

Kids love this experiment because not only are they allowed to make loud drumming noises, it’s required!

How to See Sound Science Experiment Video

Materials Needed

• Large Bowl

• Plastic Wrap

• 1 teaspoon Uncooked Rice / seeds

• Metal Pan

• Metal Spoon

STEPS:

• Tear off a piece of plastic wrap big enough to cover the top of the bowl.

• Secure the plastic wrap over the bowl. Make sure that the plastic wrap is very tight.

• Pour 1 teaspoon of uncooked rice or seeds on the top of the plastic wrap.

• Hold the metal pan in the air and position it next to the bowl.

• Take the metal spoon and bang on the metal pan like a drum and watch what happens to the rice.

• Make loud noises/ sound near the rice bowl and see the rice jumping!!

How Does the Experiment Work?

Sound is a disturbance that travels through a medium as a wave. In this experiment, when you hit the metal pan with the spoon, you disturb the particles of the pan causing them to vibrate. The vibrations in the pan are transferred to the air surrounding the pan, creating a sound wave.

When these sound waves reach the plastic wrap it disturbs the particles of the plastic wrap causing them to vibrate. These vibrations in the plastic wrap cause the rice to move. Sound waves traveling through the air are also what allow us to hear the noise of the spoon hitting the pan.

Thanks & regards,

ilearnscience