Bull-Roarers

We are making Musical Instruments this week.


What is a Bull-roarer?
Known as the 'voice of God' to the Australian Aborigines and given to the males of the Clan at naming ceremonies or other auspicious occasions. Used as a 'talk back switch' to the Creator. To sound a Bullroarer it is swung lasso style which causes it to spin and make a 'humming type' sound.  


We (my husband and I) studied these all weekend and decided to make them with the kids. If you knew us, this would make total sense to you. School Science Projects here we come! LOL


So we thought we could recreate the Bull-roarer sound with these simple around the house items...

Then we attatched the rubber bands to the spoons.

L was very good at this!

Then you add the yarn.

Here is a close up!

Yikes! someone needs lotion!

After spinning it around we realized we needed to add tape.

I mean seriously look at those Colorado dried hands. Yuck! I am so sorry!

Then add the rubber bands. Now lets go outside and try it...

Make sure there is lots of room.

better.

L wanted sunglasses!

It makes such a cool sound.

We then traded out the different sized rubber bands and took notes on the different sounds they made.

We came in and talked about how sound is made and how to make vibrations and waves.

Try this...it is fun and easy!  Click on the Music Tab to see what we have done in the past.

Spider Web - for Halloween

Woah! That last post had an overwhelming response with the comments! Thanks! :p LOL

This project was inspired by my son:

Who is 3 and really wanted to be a spider for Halloween. So I obliged.
Here is what what you need:

2 Cans, Paint, Pipe Cleaners, Paper, Rubber Bands

Tear off paper from the cans(we were using these tonight otherwise write on the can what it is before ripping off the label!) Then cover the cans with Rubber Bands.

Next dip in paint and Roll, Roll, Roll.

While it is drying cut the pipe cleaners into 4 pieces. Like the length of your finger.

Then let the kids twist them into each other until all 4 pieces are used up.

My daughter didn't see where I was going with this...
Then glue the spider to a desired location and cut the paper into a web shape or circle.
Done.

Horns/Kazoos

Today we made horns. Some call these kazoos but I have another way to make kazoos, ah another week.

This is what you need...
Wax paper, Construction paper, glue, tape, something sharp (wooden skewer) rubber bands, scissors, and of couple toilet paper tubes.

Let's construct...
First you cute the construction paper the width of the tubes. Then you glue the paper to the tube. For extra hold tape the seam of the construction paper to the tube.

This is my son making sure we did a good job. :) Crazy boy!

Then you poke holes into the tubes, so you can change the sound later. Like a horn.

After that cut the wax paper into a square, and put on the top of the tube. wrap a rubber band around the top and you have a horn! Blow into it for a tooting good time.Here is the finished product. This project was very easy and practically no mess. My son enjoyed the cutting the most. I recommend this to anyone with a toddler running around their house. Happy Monday!

Original Post 8/18/08