Build a Band

Evidence of Work

"Build a Band" Write-up

Our Song, "Physics is Good" (to the tune of "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen)

STEM STEM STEM physics is so fun

We learn about how vibrations cause sound

STEM STEM STEM, solve a world problem

We have done work that will astound

It's not STEM, if Riley's not messing around

STEM STEM STEM, alternative energy car

STEM STEM STEM, no other class is on par

Project Description

For this project, we were tasked with creating 3 instruments per group, and coincidentally, with 3 people in each group. It was immediately decided that each person should choose an instrument and do the entirety of it, including research and construction.

My instrument is a simple one-string instrument capable of producing 9 notes, including the open string (as mentioned in the write-up). I did this by carving out lines where each note is, similar to frets on a guitar. Additionally, I made my own tuning system that is functionally similar to traditional string tuners, but is more primitive, since I made it from scratch as opposed to buying one.

Content

  • Big Idea: Energy is transferred in the form of waves and there are models to predict how the energy is transferred.

    • I can use the equation v=f𝝺 to relate the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves.

    • I can explain the different ways waves carry information.

    • I can compare and contrast the wave model and the particle model and understand that both are representations to help me better understand how light behaves.

    • I can examine and draw conclusions from academic texts to determine the effects of radiation on living cells.

    • I can explain how waves of different wavelengths are used by a variety of everyday technologies such as cell phones, microwaves, radio, and solar panels.

  • Key Vocabulary:

    • frequency

      • the number of vibrations per second, measured in Hertz (Hz)

    • wavelength

      • the length between the crests of a wave

    • wave speed

      • the speed at which a wave travels

    • radiation

      • emission of energy as electromagnetic waves

    • period

      • interval of time between oscillations

    • medium

      • any matter that longitudinal waves can go through

    • digital

      • consisting of discrete numeric values

    • analog

      • a continuous signal of variable frequency

    • photon

      • a particle representing a quantum of electromagnetic radiation

    • wave

      • a disturbance of a medium in order to transfer energy

    • interference

      • combination of two waves that can be constructive or destructive

    • particle

      • a minute portion of matter

    • electromagnetic radiation

      • radiation that includes visible light, radio, gamma, and X-rays.

    • ionization

      • a process by which an atom or molecule acquires a negative or positive charge

    • X-Ray

      • electromagnetic wave with a wavelength of 0.01 to 10 nano meters

    • FM/AM

      • Frequency Modulation, Amplitude Modulation

    • Microwaves

      • electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 0.001-0.3m

    • UV rays

      • electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of 10-400nm

    • Solar Panels

      • panels designed to convert the sun's rays to electrical energy

    • wave/particle models

      • two different models that can sometimes be used to explain the same phenomenon

Reflection

In this project, I really got to take on the role of an authority of sorts, given my involvement in music. Besides having background knowledge, I also demonstrated my Communication skills, because I had to somehow explain how musical notes notes work. In addition to that, I was Culturally Competent, because I have been in music since fourth grade. However, I did not demonstrate much Conscientious Learner ability, because I did not have to put much effort into learning. Also, Collaboration took a backseat to all else, since everyone was working on their own individual instruments.