The goal of this dissertation project is to use embodied learning--an emerging approach to supporting student engagement--as a focal point to demonstrate how a multidimensional engagement framework can help us understand, evaluate, and design for new ways of learning. The project is situated in the context of third-grade students learning about…

Compare the sounds produced by a symphony with those produced by a high school orchestra, the notes produced by hitting a tympani with those produced by hitting a trash can lid, and the sounds produced by Al Green with those produced by Yoko Ono. Even though the pitch of a note (determined by the "frequency" of the sound wave) is the…

This research illustrates how varying enactments of an engineering-design-based science curriculum shaped the development of students' domain-specific scientific ideas and practices. In this comparative case study rooted in the analytical perspectives of activity theory and learning environments, student and teacher participants in three…

Describes an empirical method for tuning a piano by matching measured fundamental frequencies to values determined using a pocket calculator. (Author/GA)

Illustrates the phenomenon of the "difference tone" in music, using simple physics. Describes how this phenomenon can be demonstrated with a flute. (MLH)

Provides extensive annotated bibliographies on sound, musical instruments, the perception of musical sound and other aspects of musical acoustics. (Author/CP)

This report deals with research presently being done dealing with the acquisition of musical skills. In an attempt to create a self-paced, independent music study approach, investigators have formulated two main hypotheses: (1) that perception and cognition are inextricably intertwined - not discrete quantities; and (2) that learning behavior in…

Describes the use of chromatic musical instrument tuners to make frequency measurements of sound waves and as an exercise in the conversion of pitch to frequency. (ZWH)

Describes the basic acoustical principles of percussion instruments whose vibrating members are multidimensional. (MLH)

Presents hands-on science activities that help students learn the concepts of hearing and sound while allowing students to practice science process skills. Students investigate the use of alternative phonograph speakers and needles and apply the knowledge learned to the construction of one-string banjos. (MDH)

These projects utilize musical instruments to teach the physics of sound by investigating standing waves in strings and plates, main resonance of stringed instruments, loudness curves, and analysis of tones. Can be adapted for secondary level or college level instruction. (MLH)

Presented is a review of the physical acoustics of percussion instruments. Instruments included are the glockenspiel, marimba, xylophone, vibes, chimes, and triangles. (SL)

Offers experiments and activities designed to help students understand the qualities of sound. Provides directives on how to construct simple musical instruments. Suggests ways to help students discriminate differences in pitch, dynamics, and rhythm. (ML)

Contains information on rain sticks and other similar musical instruments. Describes procedures for making rain sticks and using them in the study of sound. Discusses the physics of sound and how to utilize computers to study sound with rain sticks. (DDR)