The Scholar: Jason Park

The Project: The Rubens Tube 

The Essential Question: “I built a Rubens Tube, a cylindrical tube filled with propane gas that is then ignited. The flames of burning propane form a wave-shaped line when a sound is played through the tube. Changing the frequency and amplitude of the sounds changed the flames, and from that test subjects were told to attempt and guess songs just based on the Rubens Tube.“

Surprising Discovery: “Almost 75 percent of subjects guessed the correct song among four choices of popular, well-known songs without even having to listen to the song and just looking at the flame waves.”

Biggest Challenge: “Using propane brought some safety concerns and thankfully with the help of Mr. Pelliccia and the Easthampton Fire Department, I was able to perform the experiment safely. 

Tips for future scholars: “Make sure not to limit yourself, because you never know what’s possible.“