Physical models for acoustics education: a systematic review of teaching approaches

Raising awareness of acoustic phenomena is a fundamental step in acoustics education, as it lays the conceptual foundations for both theoretical understanding and the development of integrated design solutions. Physical models play a key role in this process by transforming abstract concepts into tangible experiences, sparking curiosity, fostering engagement, and promoting deeper learning. This paper presents a systematic literature review of physical models applied to the teaching of acoustics, with a focus on ripple tanks, Kundt's tubes, and scaled-down physical models of rooms. The study draws on teaching experiences in which these models were integrated into active learning methodologies. The findings indicate that these tools significantly enhance the understanding of acoustic phenomena and help bridge the gap between theory and design practice. It is concluded that physical models are effective educational tools, especially when combined with participatory strategies, although challenges such as cost and adaptability to different educational contexts remain.