Chicken Sounds in a Cup

I've unintentionally started a Science Play series. 

It was hard not to. 

As an undergrad I studied Chemistry.

In grad school, I started in Environmental Toxicology then went on to Forrest Entomology. 

See, I have a special place in my heart for science. 

Yes, I am currently a stay at home mommy, but still a scientist at heart!

Today we played with vibrations.

The science behind the play:

Sound comes from vibrations. The vibrations from the string would be almost silent without the cup, by adding the cup, it spreads the vibrations and amplifies the sound (makes them louder.) 

How to make your Chicken in a Cup:

1.Cut a piece of yarn about 20 inches long. 

2. Use a nail to carefully punch a hold in the center of the bottom of the cup.

3. Tie one end of the yarn to the middle of the paper clip. 

4. Push the other end of the yarn through the hole in the cup and pull it through.

5. Get a piece of paper towel about the size of a dollar bill, then fold it once and get it slightly damp.

6. Now it's time to make some noise! Hold the cup firmly in one hand, and wrap the damp paper towel around the string near the cup. While you squeeze the string, pull down in short jerks so that the paper towel tightly slides along the string. If all goes well - you hear a chicken!