Introduces a lesson plan on astronomy and scientific research. Explains how astronomers conduct research and the detection methods they use. Provides demonstrations and ideas for students to build a giant model of the solar system. (YDS)

Presents activities to motivate students to appreciate sound in which different aspects of sound are introduced and different components of sound are discussed. Includes Internet resources. (KHR)

Discussion of classroom amplification systems to improve the performance of students with hearing loss or learning disabilities addresses the auditory challenges of inclusive classrooms, changing the classroom environment to reduce noise, types of amplification systems, and what teachers observe about amplification. (Contains references.) (DB)

The electroacoustic performance of 18 direct-input and two inductive-coupling hearing aids was compared when operating with two different frequency modulation (FM) systems. The most significant differences occurred in full-on gain, equivalent-input noise, and frequency response, as opposed to high frequency average saturation sound pressure level…

In the absence of a comprehensive theory of the spoken language, the exploration of dynamic phonotactics--of actual running speech--can contribute to the understanding of oral language properties. Information based on spoken language data may also have fundamental implications for second-language learning. (24 references) (Author/VWL)

The neuronal model shown to code sound-source azimuth in the barn owl by H. Wagner et al. in 1987 is used as the basis for a speculative brain-based human model, which can establish contrastive phonetic categories to solve the problem of perception "non-invariance." (SLD)

Describes a method for producing beat frequencies by carrying a vibrating tuning fork quickly toward a wall or chalkboard. A mathematical explanation is provided. (MVL)

Combined free response questionnaire and interview procedure are used to probe students' ideas regarding how they believe they see both luminous and nonluminous objects and how they think they hear source of sound. From large sample of students studied (n=1901), prevalence of ideas in different age groups is compared, and progression can be seen.…

A preliminary scheme for estimating the speech intelligibility of hearing-impaired speakers from acoustic parameters, using a computerized artificial neural network to process mathematically the acoustic input variables, is outlined. Tests with 60 hearing-impaired speakers found the scheme to be highly accurate in identifying speakers separated by…

This study used a contrasting word task to evaluate the relationship between specific acoustic features of speech and perceptual judgments of word intelligibility of 16 adults with cerebral palsy-dysarthria. The scaled intelligibility was predicted with 62.6 percent accuracy by acoustic measures related to one consonant contrast and three vowel…

Addresses concerns of both facilities planners and instructional designers in planning for the audio component of group presentations. Factors in the architectural design of enclosures for the reproduction of sound are described, including frequency, amplitude, and reverberation; and a case study for creating an acceptable enclosure is presented.…

This study found that 5 7-year-old and 4 10-year-old prelingually hearing-impaired children displayed evidence of anticipatory coarticulation based on temporal and spectral cues, but they did so to a lesser degree than normally hearing children. (Author/JDD)

The union of sophisticated computer and digital technology with musical instruments made out of recycled materials is discussed. Directions for making the instruments and interfacing the instruments with other equipment are included. Tuning of the instruments, customizing sounds, and sound processing are described. (KR)

This study surveyed teachers and students (some with hearing impairments) in 23 elementary classrooms (in Rochester, Minnesota) equipped with commercially available, narrow-band freefield FM systems. Teachers and students rated the systems very positively as helping them to understand the teacher and other students better. (DB)

Describes a method for demonstrating beat phenomena by creating standing waves in strings. (WRM)