How can physics principles help us better understand biological phenomena? Here’s a sound idea you can try with students, from high school physics through advanced biology classes. This cross-disciplinary investigation engages students through the analysis of biological sound patterns, from whale songs to elk calls, and gives them hands-on experience analyzing complex waveforms using FFT analysis. This investigation demonstrates—and tests—key concepts like wave properties, frequency analysis, and sound pattern recognition.You will
- Get step-by-step demonstrations of how to collect and analyze sound waves using the Go Direct Sound Sensor and Go Direct Motion Detector
- Learn techniques for guiding students through FFT analysis to break down complex waveforms into their frequency components
- Get implementation strategies for integrating sound analysis across physics and biology curricula
- See examples of how to connect wave properties to natural phenomena, making sound wave physics more relevant and engaging for students
