Make a Straw Flute in Under a Minute!
Lots of people learn to play a musical instrument, but hardly anyone learns to make one! All you need is a straw and a pair of scissors, and in about a minute you'll have your very own (slightly squeaky) flute.
Safety first: ask an adult to help with the scissors, and watch out, because the cut end of the straw can be pointy. Try not to play it too often, or you might drive everyone round the bend!
What do you need?
-
A drinking straw (plastic or paper both work; plastic is easier)
-
Scissors
Step 1
Squash the last 2cm of one end of the straw as flat as you can. Running it between your fingernails works well.
Step 2
With an adult's help, cut the flattened end into a point, like an arrow or a "V" shape.
Step 3
Check the pointed end is only open a tiny bit. The two flaps should almost touch.
Step 4
Put the pointed end in your mouth, just past your lips, and blow gently. It can take a minute or two to get the hang of it. You'll know you've cracked it when it makes a slightly rude-sounding buzz!
What's going on?
Every sound in the world works in the same way, from the best musicians to children talking when they shouldn't be! Whenever you hear a noise, something is vibrating, which is a scientist's way of saying shaking very quickly. When you blow through your straw flute, the two pointed flaps vibrate against each other. That makes the air inside the straw vibrate too, and that's the sound you hear.
Looking for yet more fun?
Continue the investigation like a real scientist...
-
Snip a bit off the other end to make your straw shorter. What happens to the sound?
-
What happens if you blow harder or softer?
-
Try thicker and thinner straws. Can you hear a difference?
-
Can you make two flutes that play different notes?