Make a Kazoo from a Recycled Cardboard Tube
In this science experiment, kids made a homemade kazoo and experiment with sound vibrations.
Sound is created by something that vibrates. These vibrations cause tiny particles (molecules) to begin bumping into each other. They keep bumping into each other – much like a line of falling dominos – until they reach a receiver, like your ear!
When sounds are loud enough, you can feel the vibrations. If you’ve ever listened to loud music, especially when the bass is turned up, you may have been able to feel the vibrations. One way to feel the sound wave vibrations is to hold a balloon in front of the speakers of a radio. The sound from the radio vibrates the air inside the balloon and you should be able to feel that vibration. You can also feel sound in a vibrating kazoo, or by putting your hand on your throat while you talk!
Materials
- Recycled cardboard tube - 5 inch per student
- Waxed paper cut into a square or circle - 3 inch per student
- Rubber band - 1 per student
Instructions
Step-by-step instructions:
Use the rubber band to attach the waxed paper to the end of the cardboard tube. Decorate as desired. You can also poke small holes in a line along one side; this will allow you to change the sound by covering the holes with your fingers like other wind instruments.
Place the open end of the tube over your mouth and hum a song: This will make the waxed paper vibrate. This is how a kazoo works!
