I Heard a Sound

by David J. Ward, Eric Comstock (Illustrator)

Overview

Learn the science of sound with easy experiments and examples from everyday life.

Crickets, clarinets, and vocal chords. All vibrate. All make sound.

Here is science learning at it's best: a kid-friendly, accessible text, with bold, retro-styled illustrations, and hands-on experiments you can try at home!

Using everyday items like straws, balloons, rulers, and wax paper, readers can:

• See how sound can pass through a string
• Use four straws to hear high and low sounds
• Show how vocal chords work
• Use wax paper to see sound vibrate
• Learn how sound waves work

And much more!

A glossary is included in the back of the book.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823437047
Publisher:	Holiday House
Publication date:	07/28/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	788,735
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

David J. Ward entered college to study radio and television but quickly found his true passion was science. He finished with a master's degree in geology. After working as a geologist for seven years, David became a high school science teacher and has been teaching ever since. The classes he teaches are physics, astronomy, geology, and earth science. David lives in Colorado with his wife and two boys. He like to play basketball, hike in the mountains, and play bass guitar.

Eric Comstock was encouraged to pursue a career in the arts after taking an illustration class in college. After working in advertising for 11 years, he shifted gears and took up freelance illustration. Eric is inspired by music, and his passion for children's books grew from their colorful expression, which reminded him of music on the page. He collects old jazz albums to open up his creative pathways and stir up new ideas. Eric lives in Austin, TX where he and his wife, who is also an artist, work together while raising four kids and one dog.

Editorial Reviews

"Bright, eye-catching digital illustrations provide the first signs of a stimulating adventure. Ward delivers on this promise but also offers a solid and informative introduction to one of the five senses, as readers/listeners are asked to notice, investigate, and learn about sound. . . . Imagine this sound—the vibration from two hands quickly clapping: bravo!"—The Horn Book
 
"Ideas for experiments abound in this picture book that speaks directly to readers and explains the science of sound. . . . A useful resource for everyday science lessons. Recommended for classroom use and school and public ­libraries."—School Library Journal

From the Publisher

07/01/2020

PreS-Gr 3—Ideas for experiments abound in this picture book that speaks directly to readers and explains the science of sound. Every concept is illustrated and has an easily reproduced activity. Sound is defined as "tiny vibrations that our ears can sense." In order to demonstrate how a person's vocal cords vibrate, readers are instructed to put one hand on their throat and talk. Then, the text describes how to use a balloon and a cardboard tube to show how vocal cords work. A spring toy depicts the movement of sound waves. Intriguing experiments provide directions to make a pan flute and a string telephone. A spread toward the end of the book illustrates and defines the terms ear canal and eardrum. The text explains that brains interpret eardrum vibrations as sound, but there is no mention of individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. VERDICT A useful resource for everyday science lessons. Recommended for classroom use and school and public libraries.—Kacy Helwick, New Orleans P.L.

School Library Journal

Read More