Most people know that sound takes time to travel because it is easy to observe --like when we see lightning and wait for the thunder or watch fireworks on the 4th of July. But do you know how sound travels? Engineers and architects study acoustics and apply their knowledge of sound waves and sound propagation to design. They may be designing a sound proof room or a surround sound stereo system. In either case, the knowledge of how sound travels helps them make predictions about the behavior of their designs, and therefore guides the development of a final design.
Biomedical and electrical engineers use their knowledge of sound to design devices that help people hear better. In this project, you and your design team will learn about sound waves by watching and discussing some demonstrations, designing and testing Hearing Enhancer prototypes, and redesigning to get a good final design.