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Teeth on Edge – A Real Screech
This year's International Year of Physics celebrates the four famous papers written by Albert Einstein in 1904-1905. This challenge honored Einstein's work with the motion of molecules by exploring sound waves. Einstein credited his amazing ability to focus his thinking to the study and performance of music.
Teams were presented with several unusual musical instruments, including a sonare, armonica, and rodophone. Certain pieces of the instruments were removed prior to the challenge. Finalists worked to fabricate the appropriate resonating piece, tuned to the proper note. Once their instruments began working properly, they were challenged to perform and record an instrumental piece with the help of a keyboardist and sound technician.
Judges evaluated the processes used to determine and explain how the musical instruments generated tones, how adjustments and repairs were made to the instruments, and the teamwork employed to generate actual music.
