It is also common for students to think they must really hit the tuning fork hard to make any sound. So, demonstrating to them how to properly strike the tuning fork on a somewhat softer object like the sole of their shoes or a hockey puck will help students avoid bending the prongs of the tuning fork if it is hit too hard on a solid surface. It does take some students a little practice to stand on one foot and strike the tuning fork at the same time, so always encourage them to try again if it doesn’t go smoothly on the first attempt.

You have 4 tuning forks in your Dangerous Decibels Kit to use in this activity. Which means that you will need to bring 3 volunteers up to the front of the class to have them experiment with the turning fork in terms of what they SEE, HEAR and FEEL (keep one tuning fork for your use). The key message is that you can’t have sound without vibration.