A Fun “Oscilloscope” Web App Anyone Can Touch! (Using Scratch to Find Learning Materials)
I’m Ken Kuwako, your science trainer. Let’s have fun with science together on this site.
【Read this article in English】
No Oscilloscope? No Problem! Teaching Ideas to Visualize Sound with Scratch and Free Tools
In science class, have you ever wanted to visualize the “loudness of sound” or “waveforms” but found that a real oscilloscope is too expensive and tricky to use? Teaching students how to use it can be a real pain, making it a high hurdle to clear in the classroom.
Rakuten OWON Digital Oscilloscope SDS1104 1Gs/s 100MHz Bandwidth
That’s where free digital oscilloscope-like teaching tools come in handy. Even without special equipment, if you have a PC or tablet and an internet connection, you can “visualize” changes in sound in real time.
【Recommendation 1】 Visualize Sound Loudness in Real Time with Scratch!
Scratch is a classic programming tool for elementary and middle school. By using a program that displays microphone input volume, you can visualize sound loudness like a bar graph.
oscillo_1 https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/18315338
• How to Use:
Turn on the microphone (requires permission in your browser settings).
Click the green flag.
Make a sound, and… the bar graph moves!
Students will be amazed and captivated by how sound volume is visualized. This is a perfect tool for introducing or reviewing the concept that “sound is a wave,” without needing expensive equipment.
【Recommendation 2】 Free Web Oscilloscope “XXY OSCILLOSCOPE”
If you want to see waveforms in more detail, this web app is for you.
XXY OSCILLOSCOPE
You can find the settings and instructions here:
It captures audio and displays the waveform in real time. No installation is required; you can use it on any device with a web browser. Detailed instructions on how to set it up are available at the link above.
【More Handy Tools】
• SoundBeam (App)
Although it’s a paid app, it’s very convenient for teachers for experiments and demonstrations. Find out more here.
• Freqounter (App)
This app analyzes the frequency of sound. It’s great for checking tuning forks or musical instruments.
• AFG (Free Software)
A signal generator app that can produce sounds of any frequency you like. Useful for understanding pitch.
理科実験の頼れる相棒！簡単操作で周波数を自由自在に設定できる無料アプリ『Audio Function Generator』（AfG）
【For Teachers Who Want to Use Scratch in Science Class】
Scratch has many other teaching materials, including science simulations and observation recording tools. I even have my students try their hand at creating their own teaching materials with Scratch, which leads to more inquiry-based learning. It can be applied to units on sound, light, and motion, so be sure to check it out.
You don’t need expensive equipment to incorporate “visualization” into your science class. By making clever use of Scratch and web apps, you can create lessons that get students saying “Aha!” Give it a try. If you know of any other great tools, please let me know! I’d love to introduce them in an article.
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