Education
Tubular Bells
What happens?
By hitting the various pipes made of wood, metal or plastic, children can discover that different materials and different sizes or lengths create different sounds. There are three sets of pipes. Firstly, there are six solid wooden poles (not actually pipes) arranged in descending or ascending order. Striking each one in turn with the stick provided gives a clearly different note. Next to the wooden poles there is a similar arrangement of nine small metal tubular pipes. They give a much higher but more resonant tinkling sound when struck. Thirdly, there is an arrangement of six hollow pipes, (4 metal and 2 plastic) all of the same length and generally of a similar diameter. Being the same length, these demonstrate more clearly that the material (and its mass and density) can also affect the sound.
How does it work?
In the case of the wooden poles, although they make a fairly dull sound when struck it is quite obvious to the user that the shorter pole makes a higher pitched sound than a longer one. This is because it vibrates more and a higher frequency of vibration means a higher sound. The same is true of the small tubular pipes but being much smaller and being metal they make a much higher sound. The third set of tubes made of various metals (e.g. brass, aluminium, copper, stainless steel) and plastics (pvc) very clearly demonstrate the link between a material and the sound it makes.
Why is it important?
Instruments are made in different sizes and of different materials. This exhibit 'explains' why different objects make a different sound when hit.
How does it relate to the curriculum?
- Provides opportunity for sharing and playing together.
- Exploring music and the senses.
- Simple cause and effect relationships.
- Science: the physics of sound, vibration and sound, exploring materials.