Music and Sound All Around

There are countless objects in the Smithsonian’s collection that make sounds and music, and Pinky is excited to explore a few of them with the help of special Smithsonian staff. Discover instruments, sound-making objects, and even objects that help us hear better—like hearing aids—both behind the scenes and on public display.

Siamangs are small apes with big voices—and they love to use them! When you visit the zoo, you can often hear their calls echoing across the park. In this video, discover what siamang songs sound like and learn how they use vocalizations to communicate with one another.

In this lesson plan from the National Museum of American History, young learners explore what sound is, how it can be amplified, and what tool we can use when hearing is difficult. Through NMAH collection objects, music videos, suggested read-alouds, and hands-on activities, learners also discover how sound creates music—and how music creates sound.

Animals at the National Zoo make many different sounds to communicate with one another—but did you know that some special animals also love to make music using their natural instincts and behaviors? Watch the Zoo’s talented sloth bears, Molly and Deemak, use their natural blowing behavior to create beautiful music!

When you ride on an airplane, what sounds do you hear? What makes those sounds? How can we learn about space through music? Find out through activities created by the National Air and Space Museum!

Insects use a wide variety of ways to communicate with each other. They can make sounds such as click, pop, whir, buzz, and chirp. Some insects may also use visual cues like light or waving antennae. In this resource, learn how you can create your own bug band or insect orchestra at home or in the classroom! Begin by downloading the PDF lesson plan, then watch Pinky and her friends at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center create their own bug band.