Make a popsicle stick harmonica

Music is a great learning activity for kids. It involves intervals and mathematical principles. Making this popsicle stick harmonica will get your kids thinking about how sound works and why some sounds are higher than others.

What you need:

• 2 popsicle sticks
• 1 big rubber band
• 2 smaller rubber bands
• 2 pieces of craft paper (about 3cm x 1cm each)
• sticky tape

Number of players:

Activity:

Lay one stick on top of the other with the paper strips spaced about 1.5cm from each end.

Fold over each piece of paper.

Secure paper with some sticky tape. The sticky tape shouldn't touch the sticks at all.

Carefully slip out the bottom stick.

Stretch the longer rubber band around the length of the top stick. Place the bottom stick directly under it and secure them together with the two smaller rubber bands.

Blow through the middle and make some noise.

The combination of air blowing through to make the rubber band vibrate against the sticks makes the sound.

Hints and tips:

You can make the sound higher or lower by sliding the pieces of paper closer together or further apart.

• Thanks to our sister company Kidspot Australia for creating the instructional video.