Homemade Instruments and the Science of Sound

Homemade Instruments and the Science of Sound Residency
Residency lesson for session 1 of 5 by Rachel Sumner
Teaching Artist (TA): Rachel Sumner, Grade: 2nd and 3rd, 50 minutes
Prior to this visit, teachers will have taught a curriculum lesson on sound and vibration.
Materials 2 straws per person, tape, 2 sticks of modeling clay per 30 students. Pen, scissors
and a 12 inch ruler.
TN State Standards: INTRO TO: Music Grade 2 6.2 Recognize musical instruments and classify into families. Level
2 Identify families of instruments Standard 8.0 Interdisciplinary Connections 8.2 Illustrate the science of sound
through the use of musical instruments Level 1 Identify the source of vibrations in classroom instruments. Level 2 Classify
instruments by method of sound production. Level 3 Anticipate, correctly, the sounds that will be produced by instruments of
different sizes. Grade 3 Standard 6.0 Listening and Analyzing 6.3 Level 2 Classify instruments by families.
Science Grade 2 GLE 0207.11.1 Investigate how vibrating objects produce sound.
GLE 0207.11.2 Classify sounds according to their pitch.
0207.11.1 Use a variety of objects that vibrate to demonstrate how sounds are produced.
0207.11.2 Describe the sounds produced by different types of vibrating objects.
Grade 3 GLE 0307.11.3 Investigate how the pitch of a sound can be changed. 0307.11.2 Use a variety of materials to
produce sounds of different pitch SPI 0307.11.4 Identify how sounds with different pitch are produced.
Objectives: TLW access prior knowledge about sound and woodwind instruments by observation, questions, discussion and by
identifying the musical instrument family of instruments brought in by TA. TLW Imitate the sound the turkey baster plays with his or her
voice. TLW use a body part to show the movement of the pitch. TLW make a prediction about the pitch of a shorter straw.
Assessments: General assessment of prior knowledge. The TA will listen & observe the learners as they imitate and demonstrate what
is happening with the pitch of the turkey baster. Take a vote (raise hands): Who thinks the pitch will be higher? Lower? The same?
a.) TA will play recorder. (open-ended tube) Sound vibration discussion and questions.
b.) TA will play the turkey baster (closed-end tube). Closed-end tube
discussion and questions. Discuss and define pitch.
c.) TA will play a long straw. Instrument family questions and
discussion.
2. Demonstration on how to make a straw panpipe.
Materials needed : 2 plastic straws per person, masking tape & pen, scissors (that are sharp enough
to cut straws), 2 pea shaped pieces of modeling clay each
3. Students make their panpipes. (Teacher and TA roam to assist if needed.)
TN State Standards: Math 0206.4.4 Estimate, measure, and calculate length to the nearest unit: foot, and inch.
0207.T/E.3 Use tools to measure materials and construct simple products.
0306.4.10 Use reasonable units of length (foot, inch) in estimates and measures.
SPI 0306.4.6 Measure length to the nearest centimeter or half inch.
Objective: TLW will use a ruler to measure & cut 2 straws assigned lengths. Assessment: The TA and Teacher will
observe the length of straws when complete. TA will listen to the pitch to determine if they are in tune.
4. Panpipe Lesson and Practice (
I will give students a short
lesson with tips on how to play.
5. Some learners will play
ostinati on panpipe while
others sing
TN State Standards: Music Grade 2 Standard 2.0 Playing Instruments Play ostinati using steady beats to
accompany the class singing a song. Play ostinati containing steady beats and rests to accompany the class singing a song.
Grade 3 Standard 2.0 Playing Instruments Students will perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied
repertoire of music. 2.1 Play simple rhythmic patterns alone and with others. Level 1 Play simple rhythmic patterns with
others. Level 2 Play simple rhythmic patterns alone. Level 3 Play rhythmic patterns with an ensemble.
Objective: TLW play both notes of the ostinato and alternate between the high and low pitch with the appropriate rhythm
pattern. Assessment: TA will observe students playing and create a rubric.
* WHAT DID WE LEARN TODAY? Reflection
• GOLDEN PASS OUT OF CLASS Includes a question for assessment about the lesson regarding
column length and pitch.
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