Source: Lessons in Matter and Energy
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Lessons in Matter and Energy, from WOSU Public Media, is a series of eight learning modules that demonstrate physical science concepts and phenomena. The series captures some of the most engaging demonstrations presented at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus. The demonstrations clarify essential properties of matter and the nature and transfer of energy. Accompanying each module is a Teacher’s Guide, on video, and a set of assessment tools which include suggested tasks to test comprehension, a scoring rubric and a student booklet. Lessons in Matter and Energy is intended to complement curricular resources in grades 4 to 8.
Teacher's Guide Video (Video)
Assessment (Document)
Student Booklet (Document)
Sound is a form of energy produced by vibrating objects. Without movement there could be no sound. When an object moves or vibrates, the air molecules around the object also vibrate. Vibrating objects (as long as they are not in a vacuum) produce sound. A sound wave contains energy, which in turn means it can make the air around it move. However, if the wave strikes something solid, the wave will bounce back—an echo.
This two-part demonstration uses an aluminum rod and a mixture of cornstarch and water—oobleck—to show that sound is produced by the vibration of matter.
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