Build a Musical Band- Waves
Using musical instruments, we investigated how waves transfer energy!
Introduction
During this project our group investigated waves and figured out how they worked, specifically the manner in which they transfer energy and create sound. To begin, we were put into separate groups in class where each member decided on an instrument they wanted to make. I specifically chose to make a wind instrument, while other members of my group created chime and stringed instruments. Once we did this, we investigated how we made instruments by looking into how we were able to manipulate the wavelengths and frequencies. Afterwards, we documented all of our findings in a compiled written report, outlining how our instruments were built and the physics that go behind them. We were able to put this document together by drawing from information we learned regarding transverse and longitudinal waves, and the different parts that make the wave up.
For my instrument, I made multiple disposable paper zurna reed instruments using a template I created.
Concepts Used
Transverse wave: A wave where the movement of particles is perpendicular to the motion of the wave
Longitudinal wave: A wave where the movement of particles it parallel with the motion of the wave
Wave speed: Rate of motion of a wave
Wavelength: Distance from crest to crest of a wave
Frequency: The number of waves/vibrations per second
Period: How much time each wave takes
Amplitude: Height of wave
Longitudinal wave: A wave where the movement of particles it parallel with the motion of the wave
Wave speed: Rate of motion of a wave
Wavelength: Distance from crest to crest of a wave
Frequency: The number of waves/vibrations per second
Period: How much time each wave takes
Amplitude: Height of wave
Reflection
I thought that this was a very interesting project, as it was both an individual assignment and a group activity at the same time. Throughout the project, our group stayed almost separate from each other as we were making our own instruments, however, at the same time, we had to reconvene at the end to make sure that our instruments were compatible with each other. This created an interesting challenge, as we had to learn how to manage our time alone, while also encouraging our group members to meet their own personal deadlines. This greatly differed from the work we did in past projects where our groups were always working together.
Because of the environment we had to work in, I believe that the circumstances pushed me to do better in certain things. First off, because I was alone working on my own instrument, I believe that I was able to put more attention to detail towards what I was working on. From my experience, during group projects, quality can lack somewhat because you have to encourage other people to do other pieces of work, and at times, the dedication of these said people can vary. Thus, since I was working alone for a great deal of the project, I was able to focus on me and dedicate myself to more high quality work by making an instrument template and even making multiple copies of it.
In addition to this, I believe that my time management on my own was better than most projects. Because I was working by myself, I found it rather easy to structure a specific schedule of what I wanted to get done throughout the course of the work time. This differed from most other projects where I had to schedule myself, and additionally schedule the groups that I would work in to make sure that everything would run smoothly. Because of my time management, I was able to get both my instrument and part of our groups shared document done early.
While did many good things on this project, there are also definitely things that I can and should improve on. While I did well on this project working alone, I believe that I should have also been more open to helping my group members once I finished my designated part of the project. Some of my group members instruments did not work quite as well as mine, and in retrospect, I believe that if I took some time to help them out, they may have been able to turn out better. In the future, I will improve upon this area by specifically asking my peers if they are in need of assistance.
Another aspect that I would like to work on in the future is organization. During this project, while I was able to build multiple instruments, I would have a tendency to leave my workspace untidy and even maybe lose one or two supplies. Because of this, the progress of my building may have been slowed down. In the future, to improve upon this, I will always have a specific area to keep my supplies.
Because of the environment we had to work in, I believe that the circumstances pushed me to do better in certain things. First off, because I was alone working on my own instrument, I believe that I was able to put more attention to detail towards what I was working on. From my experience, during group projects, quality can lack somewhat because you have to encourage other people to do other pieces of work, and at times, the dedication of these said people can vary. Thus, since I was working alone for a great deal of the project, I was able to focus on me and dedicate myself to more high quality work by making an instrument template and even making multiple copies of it.
In addition to this, I believe that my time management on my own was better than most projects. Because I was working by myself, I found it rather easy to structure a specific schedule of what I wanted to get done throughout the course of the work time. This differed from most other projects where I had to schedule myself, and additionally schedule the groups that I would work in to make sure that everything would run smoothly. Because of my time management, I was able to get both my instrument and part of our groups shared document done early.
While did many good things on this project, there are also definitely things that I can and should improve on. While I did well on this project working alone, I believe that I should have also been more open to helping my group members once I finished my designated part of the project. Some of my group members instruments did not work quite as well as mine, and in retrospect, I believe that if I took some time to help them out, they may have been able to turn out better. In the future, I will improve upon this area by specifically asking my peers if they are in need of assistance.
Another aspect that I would like to work on in the future is organization. During this project, while I was able to build multiple instruments, I would have a tendency to leave my workspace untidy and even maybe lose one or two supplies. Because of this, the progress of my building may have been slowed down. In the future, to improve upon this, I will always have a specific area to keep my supplies.