Hooked on science: Spoon sounds

Did you know you can create a unique sound by using a string and a spoon?

Materials

• Spoon
• String

Instructions

STEP 1: Using a piece of string about 3 feet long, tie the metal spoon to the center of the string.

STEP 2: Using your index fingers, hold each end of the string to your ears.

STEP 3: Allow the spoon to hang freely and then hit the spoon against an object such as a table or a chair.

Explanation

Sound is a form of energy that is transmitted by an object moving back and forth. The sound made by hitting the spoon against an object travels through the spoon and string to your ears.

Jason Lindsey is a Science Outreach Educator with Hooked on Science. Check out his website "Hooked On Science" at hookedonscience.org for webcasts and experiments that might get you hooked on science. Send him your science questions at jlindsey@hookedonscience.org. More science experiments can be found at www.semissourian.com.