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Chimes From the Sea

by Rebecca Upjohn Snyder

    Smooth or rough, plain or multicolored, shells are wonderful to touch and look at but what do they sound like? Try the following project to find out.

What you will need:

What you need:
1. 6 – 10 mussel shells. (Having a few extras is good as they can break during drilling.)
2. A stick.
3. String.
4. A hand drill (use a small drill bit to avoid breaking the shells).
5. A safe drilling surface.

What you do:

    1. Wash the shells gently but thoroughly with dish soap and warm water. Air dry.
2. Carefully drill holes, from the inside, 1/2-inch from the top of each shell. If you are unfamiliar with using a drill, get an adult to help you.
3. Cut 6-10 pieces of string about 12-inches in length.
4. Tie one end of string through the hole in each shell. Tie the other end onto the stick. Space the strings out along the stick so the shells hang freely but can touch when swinging.
5. Hang your shell chimes in the breeze. Sit back, close your eyes and listen to the tinkling songs from the sea.
OPTION: Try different kinds of shells. Do they make a different sound?