Summary
The students at our school love to play the instruments and love to be outside. So, I asked two of the 5th grade classes a question, “How could we create an outdoor music “play” ground?” The students were intrigued and began brainstorming ideas of how to build instruments out of everyday and recycled materials. The students worked in collaborative groups to research such instruments using digital resources and the laptops. The teacher presented the 4 elements of sound; pitch, timbre, duration and volume and how each plays an important part when building an instrument. Students complied a Google Doc including planned instruments, materials needed, measurements and amounts of materials to share their ideas with the other 5th grade class. Ideas were discussed and compiled to come up with the exact instruments the classes would build and what materials would be needed. Students then implored the efforts of parents, PTA, and outside businesses to actually build the instruments. The outdoor music “play” ground will benefit all students at our school.
TIPC Ratings
This project is Ideal/Target in Research and Information. Students were shown examples of different instruments on sites and then utilized a variety of sites as well as search engines to find their own homemade instruments. Students also completed experiential research to evaluate the materials that would make their design work. Students shared their findings and information on Google Docs.
This project is Ideal/Target in Communication and Collaboration. Students worked within collaborative groups to complete each task. They communicated with groups from the other class as well through their Google Docs and a shared presentation to present their findings. Students communicated with outside businesses and with parents to gain materials. They also collaborated with parents to build the instruments. Finally, students reflected on their roles as collaborators.
This project is Ideal/Target in Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. Students created their own instruments. They had to consider materials and sound and come up with the BEST possible construction. Groups encountered problems along the way and had to come up with their own solutions. Students had to make decisions in their groups and then present those decisions to the class for discussion with their ideas to solve the problem. Students also had to ask parents and outside businesses for help to support the project. Students reflected on their problem solving skills.
This project is Ideal/Target in Creativity and Innovation. Students used their knowledge of classroom instruments and other cultural instruments to create new ones. They were instructed to use everyday or recycled materials for the instruments, but the rest was up to them. Students had to come up with the best use of materials to make the best sound. The students set the amounts of materials needed and built the instruments. Students reflected on their choices of instruments, materials and overall project.
Student Artifact
