Check out these links for great examples which show that knowing about the science of sound is an exciting way to enrich your understanding of the world around you.
This unit on the physics of sound will introduce you to some of the interesting science behind sound waves and allow you to work with some tools to create your own sound projects.
Sound it Out!
Making and Recording Your Own Sound Waves
Lets start by learning how to record and play sounds using a progam called Audacity. Audacity can play and record sound files and you can even use it to make ringtones for your phone! Later we will learn how we can use this program to learn about the science of the sounds you are using.
Content Learning About
Waves and Sound
Here's what sound waves look like. The caption reads, "A visible pattern of sound waves. This new technique of studying sound demonstrates the focusing effect of an acoustical lens on sound waves issuing from the horn at extreme left. Wave pattern is produced by a scanning technique . . ." Bell Telephone Laboratories photograph, from the book The First Book of Sound: A Basic Guide to the Science of Acoustics by David C. Knight, Franklin Watts, Inc. New York (1960). p. 80
This section will help you with the necessary content reading including concepts, vocabulary, and other information you will need to be able to communicate and understand more of the awesome physics of waves and sound. Use these resources throughout the unit when needed to learn, review and strengthen understanding of the ideas.
If you choose to you may use Visual Analyzer for your final project. It is a free download and is available here:
Mathematics of Music and Sound
In order to really understand some of the most interesting properties of sound we need to understand the math that helps us visualize what is happening. These applets and assignment are meant to be completed in order and will help you see how math can help us model the world of waves and sound.
Project Learning
http://xkcd.com/ Creative Commons 2.5
Your final project should involve using Audacity and/or Visual Analyzer and a presentation process of your choosing, (Prezi, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Video etc) to visualize, analyze, compare and contrast, measure and create files which demonstrate your understanding of the physics principles of sound and the relationship of sound to a real world process you are interested in. It should include wave analysis, data and calculations of such items as period and frequency, overtones related to instrument length etc. You should work with another member of the course to collaborate on your project and presentation. The presentation should be able to be made available online.
Examples of topics (not exhaustive) to explore and research include:
Project Resources:
Blue Man Group
Tibetian Throat Signing
Sound and Resonance