Music and Physics

• Use music to add to scientific understanding by creating projects and activities for students. Explain the basic scientific principle behind each project first. When examining sound waves, for example, tell students what sound waves are by using pictures and diagrams, explaining that the ear picks up different vibrations and the brain processes each type of wave into a different sound.
  
  Create a simple activity to show the difference between pitches and the way they create sound waves. Prepare a project using different sized wires (thick and thin) that are pulled taut in individual boxes, hovering closely over sand. Pluck or hit the wires (piano or violin strings are preferable, due to their sensitivity) and show students the different images produced in the fine sand. Each wire creates a different type of pattern, depending on its thickness and how hard it is plucked or struck.
  
  

Music and Math

• Have students build their own instruments, using mathematical calculations to create different pitches and sounds. Explain that when building a wooden flute, for example, a thicker and shorter flute will create deeper notes than a longer and thinner flute.
  
  Give each student a different size comb and sheet of wax paper. Have them measure the comb and wrap the wax paper around it. Let them hum over their homemade harmonica and notice the difference between each size comb and the sound it creates. Compare which ones are deeper, and which ones produce a higher sound. Line them up, and use a tuning fork to find the notes for each harmonica.
  
  

Music and Life Sciences

• Give a student understanding of frequency by first explaining that different animals hear different sounds. Dogs and cats, for example, hear higher frequency (faster occurring sound waves) noises than people. Bring in a dog whistle and blow--humans do not generally hear the sound it creates, but dogs will react. Tell the students a fun fact; cats actually hear one octave (or series of pitches) higher than dogs and move their ears separately because it is their best sense, which they use to locate prey accurately.