Introduction: Pan Flute

By iTeach Maker Bus
About: The KSU Maker Bus Project is the result of our idea that students must use their imagination and intelligence to design something and then they must have the opportunity to fulfill those designs using tools a…

A pan flute is a member of the woodwind family of instruments. The length of the straw determines the note that is played. Sound is produced by the vibration of an air-stream blowing through the straw. The air resonates the straw producing a pitch. The longer the straw the lower the pitch, the shorter the straw the higher the pitch. There are 8 notes in a scale. The lowest note and the highest note are called an octave. Therefore the longest straw is an octave higher than the shortest one.

Supplies

8 plastic straws

Ruler

Marker

Scissors

Tape

Step 1: Measure

Start with a 6” straw and then remove a ½” from the rest of the straws.

Your straws should be:

  • 5.5”
  • 5”
  • 4.5”
  • 4”
  • 3.5”
  • 3”
  • 2.5”

Step 2: Cut

Cut straws but save the excess for spacers!

Step 3: Spacers

Cut all excess pieces to 2" for spacers and place them in between each straw.

Step 4: Tape

Carefully tape your straws together.