Sound Effects Activity Demo | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to amplify and reduce sound using common materials, and explore how NASA quiets aircraft.

Key Insights

• 👂 Amplifying sound involves redirecting sound waves in the same direction, while reducing sound requires dampening the waves.
• 🖐️ Materials and device shape play a crucial role in muffling sound.
• 🚒 NASA uses Chevron shapes to quiet jet engines by smoothing the temperature transition from the engine's heat to the outside temperature.
• 🤗 The activity promotes teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.
• 💨 Students can explore the basics of sound waves, noise pollution, and ways NASA reduces aircraft noise.
• 👻 The activity encourages creativity and innovation, allowing students to experiment with different materials for sound amplification and quieting.
• 🤒 Testing and measuring using decibel meters and oscilloscopes enhance students' understanding of sound waves.

Transcript

hello everyone my name is Lindsey Thornton and I'm an education specialist here at NASA Langley Research Center today I'll be demonstrating how to utilize our sound effects activity you'll notice I've laid out the items in your kit in two sections since this activity has two parts in the first part you'll redirect the sound waves coming from a smar... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What materials are needed for the sound amplification part of the activity?

For the sound amplification part, you will need a smartphone or similar device, a paper towel tube, two plastic cups, a pen or marker, and scissors.

Q: How can you test the effectiveness of the sound amplification device?

You can use a sound meter or a decibel meter, either an actual device or an app on your phone, to measure the difference in noise levels. You can also use an oscilloscope to visualize the sound waves.

Q: What materials can students use to build devices for quieting the sound?

Students can use materials like styrofoam cups, aluminum foil, and cardstock to build their quieting devices. They should remember not to completely block the holes producing the sound in order to maintain thrust.

Q: How can students improve their quieting devices?

Students can brainstorm ways to improve their devices and implement them to see if their ideas work. They can also use a sound meter to test the effectiveness of their improvements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA specialist demonstrates how to amplify sound using a smartphone and simple materials like a paper towel tube and plastic cups.

• Students are then challenged to build devices to quiet the amplified sound, using materials like styrofoam cups, aluminum foil, and paper.

• By exploring the principles of sound waves and noise reduction, students gain insight into how NASA quiets aircraft.