Using sound and music in science shows to introduce fundamental physics concepts and modern research on space science
Abstract
This contribution presents an inventory of science demonstrations based on music and sound, which can be used to communicate concepts from fundamental physics and space science. They bring together fundamental physics, music history and recent results from space research. They were put together into interactive science shows, developed in the context of outreach activities in science centers, science festivals, schools and research institutes. The concepts include wave and sound characteristics (frequency/pitch and timbre), electromagnetism (working principles of speakers and microphones), waves in space plasmas, music and mathematics (Pythagoras and musical scales), waveforms, wavelets, musical notes and musical notation, oscillations on surfaces of musical instruments and helioseismology. The science demonstrations include, but are not limited to, oscilloscope and tone generator software, Faraday's experiment, the Pythagoras' monochord, and Chladni plates. Simple musical instruments and Boomwhackers are used to perform simple melodies with the audience. These science demonstrations and activities are seamed into a coherent show which relies heavily on the active participation of the audience, aiming to link their everyday experience with fundamental concepts, modern research and music, in the context of a fun narrative. The components of the described action can be used in different combinations in many contexts, depending on the specifics of the outreach activity and type of audience, illustrating the potential of using arts, and music in particular, to convey science-related information.
- Publication:
-
44th COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 16-24 July
- Pub Date:
- July 2022
- Bibcode:
- 2022cosp...44.1739K