Make Your Own Straw Wind Instrument with Kids! Snip, Snip—Why Does Cutting It Make the Sound Higher?
I’m Ken Kuwako, your Science Trainer. Every day is an experiment!
【This article is also available on Radio!】
Looking for an amazing “aha!” moment using things you already have at home?
I have the perfect experiment for families. No fancy equipment required—all you need are a straw and a pair of scissors. With just these two items, you can create a mysterious wind instrument that honks like a trumpet or a saxophone!
Behind this tiny instrument lies a fascinating scientific drama involving “the nature of sound” and “resonance,” concepts usually tucked away in high school physics textbooks. Why does it make a sound? How does the pitch change? By getting your hands dirty with your kids, you can experience the exact moment where music and physics collide. A single straw is all it takes to open the door to scientific curiosity!
How to Make a Straw Instrument
Let’s get ready for some scientific crafting!
What You Need
- A straw
- Scissors
That’s it. A cheap straw from a dollar store works perfectly, even the bendy kind with a bellows section.
Surprising Sounds! How to Build and Play
The process is incredibly simple, but there are a few “scientific secrets” to getting it right.
1. Flatten the tip of the straw
Flatten one end of the straw as shown in the photo below.
The trick is to flatten it thoroughly! Use your fingernails to press down hard, making about 2 to 3 cm of the tip nice and flat.
2. Cut the flattened tip into a triangle
Cut off the corners of the flattened part diagonally, about 2 cm from the top.
Let’s look at it from the side.
From the side, it looks like a “crocodile’s mouth.” These pointy flaps act as a “reed,” the vibrating plate of the instrument. If you don’t cut off a full 2 cm, they won’t vibrate properly.
And you’re done! That was fast, wasn’t it?
How to Play
Put the cut end in your mouth and blow quite hard. If you do it right, you’ll hear a loud, energetic “BZZZT!” sound! Do you feel the buzzing vibration on your lips? In the world of physics, this “shaking” is the true identity of sound. Your breath causes the tip of the straw (the reed) to vibrate violently, which then makes the air inside the straw ripple with waves.
Troubleshooting: Can’t get a sound?
- Not flat enough: Try flattening the tip again with even more force until the two walls are practically touching.
- The cut is too short: Make sure you cut 2 cm from the tip. If the flaps are too short, they won’t wobble when the air hits them.
Why Does the Pitch Change? The Secret of Length
Once you’ve made a sound, it’s time for a “performance.” How do you think we can change the pitch?
In wind instruments, the pitch is determined by the length of the air’s path.
Here is the fun part! While blowing into the straw to make a sound, use your scissors to snip pieces off the other end. You’ll notice that as the straw gets shorter, the pitch gets higher and higher!
[Image showing standing waves in a long straw vs a short straw]
This happens because shortening the tube shortens the wavelength of the vibrating air (the standing wave) inside. A long straw creates slow, large waves (low pitch), while a short straw creates fast, tight waves (high pitch). Sniping the straw while playing to make it “talk” is a great way to play with this principle!
With just one ordinary straw, you can experience the same laws of physics found in a professional orchestra. Give it a try at home!
Inquiries and Requests
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