Science Outreach Catalyst Kits, or SOCKs, are free to SPS chapters (while supplies last) and contain an exploratory physics and science activity that is specifically designed for SPS chapters to use in outreach presentations to elementary, middle and high school students. Each SOCK comes with the essential materials to conduct a set of demonstrations, a comprehensive manual, and instructions on how to expand the demonstration to become a tried-and-true outreach activity. It's designed for chapters just starting out or those who are demo pros. SOCKs are designed and implemented annually by the SPS National interns and SPS National office staff.
The 2020-21 SOCK is done in conjunction with the American Acoustical Society (ASA) and explores the physics of... acoustics! This kit will focus on how we can visualize sound in real time, appreciate the sounds that we make as people, and look to examine the soundscapes around us! SOCK users will be able to work with students from elementary school age (5-10) up through high school. See below for more information on the demonstrations and activities included in the SOCK.
Copy of the SOCK welcome letter.
Portable Oscilloscope and Microphone: Sound is not visible to the human eye, but have you ever wondered what sound looks like? This demonstration utilizes a portable oscilloscope to visualize sound signals! https://www.spsnational.org/programs/outreach/portable-oscilloscope-and-microphone
Longitudinal and Transverse Waves: What are waves? And, more specifically, what are sound waves? A slinky is used to explain two types of waveforms - longitudinal and transverse - while a tuning fork exhibits sound waves as longitudinal waves. https://www.spsnational.org/programs/outreach/longitudinal-and-transverse-waves
Interactive Soundscapes: We can see many features of a place, but what we hear in a place tells us a lot more than what we see. Here we will listen to soundscapes and travel to different places via sound. https://www.spsnational.org/programs/outreach/interactive-soundscapes
Doppler Ball: What exactly is the doppler effect? To find out,use a foam ball with a buzzer to throw around and experience the doppler effect! https://www.spsnational.org/programs/outreach/doppler-ball
Elastic Cord: What are standing waves? What is a fourier transform? Use a latex rope to demonstrate different modes of standing waves and to construct waves! https://www.spsnational.org/programs/outreach/elastic-wave
Vocal Fold Straws: Where does our voice come from? Learn about how our vocal folds work by using straws to create vibrations! https://www.spsnational.org/programs/outreach/vocal-fold-straws
- Introduction to sound: K-7 grades
- Introduction to sound: 8-12 grades
- Diagram of the human ear
Request an SOCK
SPS SOCK requests are accepted through an online application form (or if an ASA chapter, please email this information directly to sps [at] aip.org with an email subject of "IYS SOCK"). Please note that you will need to provide:
- Contact information and the student project leader.
- Your school and chapter mailing information.
- Responses to the following three prompts:
- Please describe why your group is interested in using the SOCK for outreach.
- Please describe the experience your chapter has with outreach activities.
- Approximately how many members will be involved in the SOCK outreach event?
- The intended audience, type of event, and anticipated date for which you are considering using the SOCK (if there is more than one, just choose one).
- (If applicable) your SPS advisor’s name and email address. Your advisor will be asked to confirm his/her support of your proposed SOCK activity.
SOCKs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis among the eligible requests.
Explore SOCK kits from previous years here.