- camera (optional)
- cans opened on both ends
- chart paper
- flexible tubing such as hoses from shop vacs, vacuum cleaners, or sump pumps
- funnels
- mailing tubes
- marker
- variety of tubes, including cardboard tubes from toilet paper, paper towels, and wrapping paper
- pitch
- predict
- sound
- voice
- volume
MA Standards:
Speaking and Listening: SL.PK.MA.1a Observe and use appropriate ways of interacting in a group (e.g., taking turns in talking, listening to peers, waiting to speak until another person is finished talking, asking questions and waiting for an answer, gaining the floor in appropriate ways)
MA Draft STE Standards:
Physical Sciences/Energy and PS4.B Apply their understanding in their play of how to change volume and pitch of some sounds.
Head Start Outcomes:
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving Recognizes cause and effect relationships.
Logic and Reasoning/Reasoning and Problem Solving Classifies, compares, and contrasts objects, events, and experiences.
PreK Learning Guidelines:
Science and Technology/Inquiry Skills 1 Ask and seek out answers to questions about objects and events with the assistance of interested adults.
Science and Technology/Inquiry Skills 2 Make predictions about changes in materials or objects based on past experience.
Explore Together (indoors): Talking Through Tubes
© Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Early Education and Care (Jennifer Waddell photographer). All rights reserved.
STEM Key Concepts: Sounds sound different when they travel through a hollow object; Sounds vary in three ways: volume (loud or soft), pitch (high or low), and timbre (quality)
ELA Focus Skills: Listening and Speaking, Vocabulary
Encourage children to explore talking through the tubes. Guide children to talk or sing without the tube first, then with the tube, and to compare each sound. Ask questions such as,
- Did you notice any change in your voice? How was it different?
- What do you predict will happen if you put your hand over the end of the tube as you are talking?
- What if you move the tube a little bit away from your mouth—what do you think will happen?
Encourage children to change the pitch (high/low), volume (loud/soft), and timbre (growly, squeaky) of their voice as they speak through tubes. Jot down any observations children make and/or make a video recording of them talking through the tubes to reference later.
Reflect and Share
Invite children to share their observations. Use any photos or notes you have taken to focus the conversation and help children recall their experiences and ideas. Encourage them to compare their experiences listening and talking through the tubes.
Take It Further: This is a good opportunity to review with children the three ways they are changing sound. Ask children to demonstrate, using their voice. For example, say, Can you show me how to change the volume of your voice? That’s right, the volume of the sound of your voice can be either loud or soft. Repeat with pitch (high/low), and timbre (quality: squeaky, growly, etc.).