How Cicadas Make Such Loud Noises

SciShow Kids

This educational video from SciShow Kids explores the fascinating world of cicadas, focusing on their unique life cycles and the mechanics behind their incredibly loud songs. Hosted by Jessi and her robot rat friend Squeaks, the video explains that while cicadas are often heard buzzing loudly in the summer, they spend the vast majority of their lives—up to 17 years—living underground. The narrative covers their emergence, their need to find mates quickly, and how they use camouflage to survive during their short time above ground. The video dives deep into the biology of sound production, introducing specific insect anatomy like 'tymbals' and 'membranes.' It uses a clear, accessible analogy of a bendy straw to explain how cicadas produce clicking sounds that merge into a continuous buzz. Students learn about the physics of sound, how different species like the Walker's Cicada compare to man-made noises like motorcycles, and the biological imperative behind these loud calls. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for units on insects, life cycles, sound waves, or adaptation. It simplifies complex biological mechanisms into age-appropriate explanations and provides concrete examples and analogies. The content naturally bridges biology and physics, offering opportunities for cross-curricular lessons involving nature walks, sound experiments, and creative writing about the insect's long underground journey.