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)

Discusses an elementary school Design Lab in which students construct musical instruments with little intervention from the instructor. Describes some problem solving situations which arose during the activities, and which provided experience in developing computational and reasoning skills. (MLH)