This activity addresses the third grade Physical Science standards 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.3. It meets the core standard of Observe and describe how sound is produced by vibrations.
I like this activity because it allows students to choose where their journey will take them. Internet access is a requirement. I do not think this activity would be as dynamic if it were adapted to be just a listening activity.
ELL's could use the internet to "travel" and investigate sound in their native language. High ability learners could create an atlas to go with their journals.
3.1.2 "Investigate how the loudness and pitch of sound changes when the rate of vibrations changes."
This activity can be used with ELL students by having them do the activity while saying a variety of words that they need to practice learning. These words could be said in Spanish and English, both. This is a great way to use this activity in a way that is meaningful for those students. This activity can also be used with older ages by having the students record their predictions about what will happen if they use a louder voice, or a deeper pitch with the sound. The students could then compare their results with other students in the class.
Students use a bowl, plastic wrap, a rubber band, and sugar crystals to investigate sound. The plastic wrap is secured across the top of the bowl with the rubber band, and the sugar crystals are placed on top of the plastic wrap. Students get close to the bowl and say their name aloud. The sugar crystals move!