{"id":60559,"date":"2026-02-15T05:34:27","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T20:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=60559"},"modified":"2026-02-15T05:34:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T20:34:27","slug":"make-your-own-straw-wind-instrument-with-kids-snip-snip-why-does-cutting-it-make-the-sound-higher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phys-edu.net\/wp\/?p=60559&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Make Your Own Straw Wind Instrument with Kids! Snip, Snip\u2014Why Does Cutting It Make the Sound Higher?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I’m Ken Kuwako, your Science Trainer. Every day is an experiment!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Back to Special Page<\/a><\/p>\n

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\u3010This article is also available on Radio!<\/a>\u3011<\/p>\n

Looking for an amazing “aha!” moment using things you already have at home?<\/p>\n

I have the perfect experiment for families. No fancy equipment required\u2014all 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!<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

How to Make a Straw Instrument
\nLet’s get ready for some scientific crafting!<\/p>\n

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What You Need<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    \n\u00a0\t<\/p>\n
  • A straw<\/li>\n

    \u00a0\t<\/p>\n

  • Scissors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    That\u2019s it. A cheap straw from a dollar store works perfectly, even the bendy kind with a bellows section.<\/p>\n

    Surprising Sounds! How to Build and Play
    \nThe process is incredibly simple, but there are a few “scientific secrets” to getting it right.<\/p>\n

    1. Flatten the tip of the straw
    \nFlatten one end of the straw as shown in the photo below.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/a><\/p>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/p>\n

    2. Cut the flattened tip into a triangle
    \nCut off the corners of the flattened part diagonally, about 2 cm from the top.<\/p>\n

    \"Screenshot<\/a><\/p>\n

    Let’s look at it from the side.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    From the side, it looks like a “crocodile\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

    And you’re done! That was fast, wasn’t it?<\/p>\n

    How to Play<\/p>\n