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What would happen if you screamed in outer space?

Sound & Vibrations
4.7 (11093 reviews)
Lesson narration:
English Spanish
Scroll for prep
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DISCUSS: How could you find out if there are vibrations in the air when we talk to each other?

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Slide Image

vibration


1 of 6

a quick movement back and forth
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Slide Image

eardrum


2 of 6

a part of the ear that vibrates to help us hear sounds
Slide Image

air


3 of 6

the invisible gas that surrounds the Earth

model


4 of 6

a pretend version of something that scientists use when the real thing is too big, small, or complicated to work with
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vacuum


5 of 6

an empty space without any air
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experiment


6 of 6

a test used to discover new information about a question
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Image & Video Credits

Mystery Science respects the intellectual property rights of the owners of visual assets. We make every effort to use images and videos under appropriate licenses from the owner or by reaching out to the owner to get explicit permission. If you are the owner of a visual and believe we are using it without permission, please contact us—we will reply promptly and make things right.

Exploration
thumbnail: astronaut by NikoNomad
talking underwater by Chrissy Edmiston
Underwater Jackhammer by Divers Institute of Technology
Swimming with humpback whales@Vava'u, Kingdom Of Tonga by 梁摳摳 , used under CC BY
pilot whale sounds by Cristiano Caldeira
humpback whale swimming in deeper waters by Christopher Michel , used under CC BY-SA
boy by DiversityStudio
girl by sezer66
group of business people in office by Rawpixel.com
blue balloon vibrating computer speaker by BluePigProductions
balloon vibrating by WheelerInnovations
speakers vibrating- before by SP AUDIO
speakers vibrating by SP AUDIO
speakers vibrating with passenger by SP AUDIO
Group of children with ball and skateboard chatting in city by Iakov Filimonov
astronaut by NikoNomad
vaccum pump by roobert33
vaccum by WaveBreakMedia
Activity
balloons on a table by nito
Credits
What would happen if you screamed in outer space?
Sound & Vibrations
4.7 (11093 reviews)

Featured Reviews

“The sequence of the balloon activity, followed by the videos of the speakers/windshield, then the air blob activities are fantastic! It's the perfect supported scaffolding! I used your waves last year and this is a great addition.”
· Ellen · Teacher
“When my students saw the vacuum suck out the air it really helped them visualize the concept. Then when they heard the ringing of the clock disappear and then reappear they were amazed. The concept really clicked with my students with that demonstration. ”
· Amber · Teacher
“Your website is fantastic. The students were completely engaged and loved taking part in all of the experiments. I didn't have balloons available so we used beach balls, they worked well too. The best part was the bell ringing until the air was taken away...very effective.”
· Jennifer · Teacher
“The students enjoyed the activity. The model/simulation of the breaking windshield really helped. I had some students that were still skeptical and thought the windshield might break on the moon so we removed the air blobs in the demonstration and quickly changed their minds!”
· Marshelle · Teacher
“The vacuum pump and the windshield blowing out.”
· Carla · Teacher
“the balloon experiment and giving example how sound travels through vibrations”
· Lindsey · Teacher
“I liked the part when the bell got quiet because there was no air.”
· April · Homeschooler
“experimenting with the balloon and watching the vacuum suck out the air”
· Jillian · Teacher
“Acting out the sound was great! And the kids LOVED seeing the windshields vibrate (and as a mom, i was glad you mentioned the ear protection....even though i'm sure the kids didn't even notice)”
· Tricia · Homeschooler
“I did one balloon per group of 4. They passed it to each other instead of 12 balloons. Easier class for management. Mystery Science is very helpful. My district has not adopted science in years and we are required to teach new standards with little help. District science lead teacher gave me your web site. Most help I have had. Love it!”
· Laura · Teacher
“the videos showing how powerful sound vibration can be (broke the wind shield)”
· Anne · Teacher
“Good wow factor with the shattering windshields. Mystery led to further experiment on thickness of materials and energy needed having an effect on pitch or not.”
· Richard · Teacher
“Clear and simple description of sound as vibrations with easily resourced experiments.”
· Richard · Teacher
“Balloons and broken windshields!! Fun times. ”
· Nicki · Teacher
“The kids loved modeling the way sound traveled from the speaker to the window. Thank you!”
· Brandi · Teacher
“Easy materials to scrounge up, loved the extension articles and experiment with sprinkles for kids to try at home. The assessment really tells what the kids understand.”
· Beth · Teacher
“Id id this with my second graders! They really understood it and loved it! You have away of simplifying subjects for kids and making it so interesting! Thank you!”
· Kelsey · Teacher
“Students love everything about mystery science!”
· Susan · Teacher
Lesson narration:
English Spanish

Activity Prep

Print Prep
In this lesson, students explore the role that air plays in enabling a sound vibration to travel. In the activity, Act Out a Sound, students do two short activities that explore sound vibrations. Students experiment with sound to understand how it moves through the air and then consider what would happen in an environment like space where there is no air.
Preview activity

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Student slideshow: English | Spanish

Teacher printout: English & Spanish

I have a Mystery Pack

Sound Blobs printout 1 per class
Scotch Tape
Masking tape also works.
Details
1 roll per class
Balloons
1 balloon per pair
Small Binder Clips (3/4")
1 clip per pair
Prep Instructions

For the first activity, we suggest students work in pairs. Homeschool students will need a partner. For the second activity, you need a minimum of four people (and a maximum of six people) who will sit in a line, side by side. So make sure you have the people and the chairs you need.

Divide Your Supplies

The first activity requires balloons and binder clips. The second activity requires the printouts and some tape. You may want to separate these supplies into two piles for easy classroom distribution.

Standards

Jump to

Exploration

6 mins

Hands-On Activity

50 mins

Wrap-Up

4 mins

Extend this lesson

Unit Reading

Unit Reading

Alan Turing, Codebreaker

In this reading, students learn how mathematician Alan Turing helped break secret codes during WWII.

Transcripts

Credits
 
Waves Lesson 3: What would happen if you screamed in outer space?

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