Converting acoustical demonstrations into in-class experiments

Teaching acoustical principles to non-science students invites extensive use of classroom demonstrations to help clarify concepts. Ideally, a separate laboratory course opens up many more opportunities for active learning for improved student understanding. However, observing and hearing a demonstration is distinct from performing the activity directly. Moreover, the addition of a laboratory course impacts departmental teaching load and may impact enrollment. In this paper I will discuss laboratory and demonstration activities that have been converted into group activities that are implemented as a classroom activity. The opportunity to add these elements to the course hinge on being able to build or purchase a large number of replicas of equipment needed for the planned activities. The two examples I will discuss in detail are the use of two stringed monochords and pvc trumpets. In addition, I will share a simple mechanical demonstration based on vibrating bars to visualize the location dependent resonances of the basilar membrane.