Tim Chupp has developed a number of lessons on physics for pre-school and elementary school children. In this picture, he is talking to a pre-school class at Pound House on the University of Michigan Campus. The topic is sound. In addition to the ear (look closely to see the potato growing), a microphone and oscilloscope were used to "see sound." Each child came forward to make a noise of her own, with a musical instrument, or other noise maker provided. The 'scope trace was stored. For elementary classes, the kids are encouraged to draw a picture of the trace on a sheet with other "Facts about Sound."

To learn more about elementary and pre-school science activities, see our elementary science pages.