What is the best activity for introducing students to the concept of sound waves in music?

Manipulating materials to produce sounds is an effective way to introduce students to the concept of sound waves in music because it engages them in a hands-on experience. This active participation allows students to explore how different objects can create various pitches and volumes when vibrated. Such exploration can lead to a better understanding of how sound waves are generated, transmitted, and perceived. When students physically interact with materials, they can make observations about how changes in size, shape, or material properties affect the sounds produced. This experiential learning helps solidify abstract concepts by relating them to tangible, real-world experiences, thus making the science behind sound waves more accessible and memorable.