Technology is when we use scientific knowledge to create a machine that is useful to us. This week we will create our own sound machine, a kazoo. As we hum into our kazoo the sound is made by the vibration of our vocal cords. The sound travels down to the end of the tube and becomes louder as the wax paper vibrates. Did you know that all sounds are caused by vibrations?

Project Materials
Remember: It is always best to do your project with an adult!

toilet paper tube
aluminum foil tubes or Christmas paper tubes (optional)
wax paper
rubber bands
paper punch
scissors (to cut wax paper in squares large enought to cover the end of the tubes)

Let's Get Started

1. Use wax crayons to decorate your kazoo tube.
2. Make a hole halfway down the tube with a paper punch.
3. Place the wax paper square around the end of the tube and hold in place with the rubber band.
4. Practice humming with your mouth on the open end of the tube.

About Humming

When you hum a noise is made in your throat. The noise is passed to the kazoo through the air. The kazoo can make the humming noise louder. Try humming in different ways, louder and softer. Find some friends to share this activity and you can form a kazoo band!

You may want to try to make a kazoo of a different size. Try using aluminum foil tubes or Christmas paper tubes. Do you think the sounds will change if you use a larger kazoo?

More places to find out about sound and hearing.

Sound & Hearing
How we hear. Learn all about hearing from The Hearing Mart.

Ear Infections
OUCH!!! Have you ever had an ear infection? Here's some answers about ear infections from Dr. Greene's Housecalls.

Note: The kazoo activity was inspired by the book More Mudpies to Magnets. Publishers Gryphon House, Inc. were nice enough to let me share their articles with you. Please visit their website. They have some great books for kids!

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