Sound Mixer

What your child will figure out

• Predict that increasing frequency produces a higher-pitched sound and identify closer wave spacing as evidence.
• Predict that increasing amplitude produces a louder sound and identify greater wave height as evidence.
• Explain that pitch and loudness are independent by changing frequency while amplitude stays fixed.
• Transfer both relationships to identify the frequency and amplitude of a novel mystery wave.

The levels

1. Speed up the wave

   Predict pitch from a frequency increase, test it, and explain the closer wave spacing.

2. Grow the wave

   Predict loudness from an amplitude increase, test it, and explain the greater wave height.

3. Change one, hold one

   Change frequency while amplitude stays fixed and explain why loudness stays the same.

4. Decode a new signal

   Transfer both relationships to match a novel fast, small mystery waveform with high frequency and low amplitude.