New draft Experiences and Outcomes
Our Physical World - Communications

Early Level - Through play I have discovered a variety of ways to make sounds.  SCN 012W
Second Level - I can use my understanding of how to change the pitch of a sound to design and construct a simple musical instrument. Using my instrument I can demonstrate that sounds are produced by vibrations.  SCN 231W

The sounds in the sand dunes – an introduction to sound

People who do research in the desert do not have an easy time. They have to put up with extreme heat and cold, not to mention choking dust and sandstorms. They could be looking for exotic plants and animals or trying to detect oil. For many years physicists have been exploring deserts for a very different reason. They are trying to find out what causes the low-frequency drone produced by a dune as sand cascades down its face. The sound is as unnerving as it is beautiful. It is no wonder that Marco Polo, who was one of the first people to document the phenomenon some 700 years ago, attributed it to evil spirits.

For further information about this strange phenomenon and to hear the sounds go to:

• http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1020_041020_sand_dunes.html

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singing_Sand_Dunes

• http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/3204/04-recipe.html

  See the YouTube videos - Booming Sands
 

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