WONDER #655: Can You Really Hear the Ocean in a Shell?

Question 1 of 3

What was the main idea of this Wonder?

1. People have given many explanations for the sounds inside a shell over the years, but scientists today believe the sound is caused by ambient noise.
2. Sound travels in waves, much like water in the ocean.
3. A great way to bring the ocean home with you from vacation is to find a shell as a souvenir—that way, you can hear the sounds of the sea at home.
4. When tested in a soundproof room, shells don’t produce the same “ocean” sound.

Question 2 of 3

The sound from a large shell is different from that in a small shell because of the _________________ of sound they echo back to your ear.

1. amplification
2. frequencies
3. pitch
4. reflection

Question 3 of 3

Which of these is a disproven explanation for the sounds people hear inside a shell, according to this Wonder?

1. The sounds are caused by a sea creature that used to live in the shell.
2. The sounds are actually the sound of blood pumping through your head.
3. The sounds are caused by air flowing through the shell.
4. Both b and c

Check your answers online at https://www.wonderopolis.org/index.php/wonder/Can-You-Really-Hear-the-Ocean-in-a-Shell.