======Straw Reed Instrument======


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**Alternative titles:** Drinking Straw Oboe
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Take a thin plastic straw.  
  - Flatten one end and cut it into a pointed tip, like an arrowhead. This forms the vibrating reed.  
  - Place the pointed end in your mouth and blow. Adjust position until the straw vibrates and produces sound.  
  - Shorten the straw by cutting pieces off the end while blowing. Notice the pitch gets higher as the straw gets shorter.  
  - (Optional) Slide the cut straw into a larger bendy straw to create a trombone-like effect where pitch changes smoothly by sliding.



====Links==== 
How to Make a Music Instrument Using Only a Straw - Science World: 
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How to DIY Straw Reed Instrument - Baker STEM Lab: 
{{youtube>7U-q8rkvTHs?}}\\

📄 Make a straw flute - Fizzics Education: [[https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/150-science-experiments/light-sound-experiments/make-a-straw-flute/?srsltid=AfmBOorr0Sp7gGf7zOU0cYlcqZwNbfL1rPAgUEoKNWsh1n6yi8-0tnsP]]\\


====Variations====
  * Try using straws of different diameters to compare sound quality.  
  * Test whether paper straws also work.  
  * Join two straws together to create a longer instrument with a deeper pitch.  
  * Experiment with blowing harder or softer to change tone.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Use scissors carefully when cutting straws.  
  * Do not share straws between students without cleaning.  
  * Supervise young children to prevent swallowing small pieces.




====Questions to Consider====
  * Why does shortening the straw raise the pitch? (It shortens the standing wave inside, increasing frequency.)  
  * What do the pointed ends of the straw represent in a real instrument? (They act as a vibrating reed, like in a clarinet or saxophone.)  
  * How does the diameter of the straw affect the sound? (Wider straws produce a lower pitch and sometimes a buzzier sound.)  
  * What happens if you blow too hard? (The reed may jam shut, stopping vibration, or the pitch may squeak.)