| Symphony of Rhythm and Writing |
| Grades 5-6 |
Lesson #8 |
| Modifications to Video |
There have been several changes to the lesson plan since the video was made. This lesson plan reflects the latest changes made as a result of suggestions from teachers who have presented the lesson during the daytime program. Please continue to send us your ideas! |
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Click here to view Symphony of Rhythm and Writing Video |
| Educational Objective |
Students will create a sound composition with instruments and words as they explore an imaginary setting together.
Associated Standard and CORE Objectives:
- 4060-0901 - Write collaboratively on a selected topic.
- 0550-02 - The students will develop techniques and skills related to playing rhythmic and melodic instruments, emphasizing rhythmic patterns
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| Materials List |
- 2 - Handle castanets
- 4 - Guiro Blocks
- 4 - Maracas
- 2 - Triangles
- 1 - Hand drum with soft mallet
- 4 - Jingle sticks
- 2 - Sets small cymbals
- 1 - Cowbell
- 1 - Rainstick
- 1 - Tone bar with mallet
- 8 - Glasses
- 4-6 - Dowels for strikers
- 8-12 - Doppler Tubes
- 1 - Oscilloscope with microphone
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| Teacher Provides |
Overhead projector
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View lesson on separate page |
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Lesson |
| Create an atmosphere |
Create an atmosphere that encourages creativity through relaxation techniques. Ask the students to imagine or remember sounds that relaxed them, such as the sounds heard at the seashore or on the sea.
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| Brainstorm to formulate |
Brainstorm to formulate a word bank describing the sounds or images; write the words on the board or overhead.
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| Explain to the students |
Explain to the students that they will be creating a sound piece with percussion instruments and word images. In small groups, have the children write descriptive phrases using the words from the word bank.
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| Demonstrate |
Demonstrate how different sounds have different shapes (wave forms) using the oscilloscope. Ask students if the waves of different sounds look like they expected them to.
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| Begin the improvisation |
Begin the improvisation process by analyzing what each percussion instrument will do. As shown on the video, various listening exercises will increase the students' awareness of sounds. Create the sounds of a storm first by: |
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- rubbing hands together or blowing through cupped hands.
- snapping fingers
- slapping thighs
- stomping feet
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Have the students recite the word sound piece(s). |
| Add the sound of the percussion |
Add the sound of the percussion instruments. Instruct the performers to follow simple visual cues (i.e. louder, softer, joining with the group, fading out).
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| Have students take turns |
Have students take turns conducting the group as they work together to orchestrate the sound piece.
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The students take a well-deserved bow! |
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Call attention to the career fields that are related to this module. Discuss how students might prepare for occupations that interest them.
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End of Lesson |
| Safety Precautions |
Glasses containing water could break if hit hard enough. Remind students to tap gently, and to treat all instruments with care.
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| Teacher Tips |
The oscilloscope is a machine that "captures" sound waves. Since this lesson concentrates on the artistic qualities of sound, it isn't necessary to spend time with a detailed description of how the oscilloscope works. Older children could have a simple introduction of the three basic qualities of a wave: frequency, amplitude and waveform.
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Frequency is how many waves there are per second. Frequency relates to pitch. A high note or sound has a higher frequency than a low note or sound. Use the tone bar and a triangle to demonstrate the differences in pitch.
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Amplitude is how high and low the wave moves from the middle. Amplitude determines loudness or softness. A soft noise has a small amplitude - it doesn't move very far up and down from the horizontal. A loud noise has a large amplitude - it moves from the horizontal.
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Waveform refers to the shape of the wave and measures tone quality. A pure note or tone will have a simple shape. A complicated chord or tone will have a complicated shape. Use the tone bar and a puili stick to show examples of simple and complex waves.
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Note: Caution students are not to adjust the scope setting. They are calibrated for the best display. If the scope needs adjustment, contact a Junior Engineering staff member. |
| This lesson relates to the following |
Career Fields:
Science, Technical
Occupations:
- Acoustical Engineer: Design and implement devices that convert sound to a form suitable to be transmitted over radio waves and be reproduced through loudspeakers. They design studios, halls, and other public facilities where people go to hear and see movies, concerts, plays, and other forms of entertainment. They must also deal with sound levels and noise pollution. Education: Bachelor's Degree
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| Review Questions |
- What's an oscilloscope?
- What is amplitude?
- What is frequency?
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