Week 7: Make a Noise!
Age: 1st/2nd, 6-7 years
Teachers: Madigan, Anna, Liv, & AJ
Date: 11/12/22
Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson TLW makes unique sounds using upcycled materials.
By the end of the lesson TLW reimagine new uses for recycled and/or tossed out materials.
By the end of the lesson the learner will make their own instrument from 2 or more sustainable materials.
Lesson Summary
Today was a collaborative teaching endeavor. I opened the lesson with two vocabulary words written on the board: sustainability and upcycling. I asked the students if anyone knew the meaning of both and then defined them. To elaborate on the fact that upcycling involves giving something old or used a new purpose and connect to the lesson, I showed students a video of the band STOMP performing music with trash can lids plastic garbage bins. The students enjoyed discussing what the trash bins and lids became in the hands of the musicians- cymbals and drums.
For the technical demonstration, Anna introduced students to the materials - rubber bands, paint sticks, recyclables and popsicle sticks- and prompted them to imagine kinds of instruments they could create. Liv showed and played the teacher examples of noise makers. Finally, I set the requirement for students to chose at least 2 materials to create their own instrument with, and asked them to consider how the instrument would be played, what noise it would make and how it would look.
Students explored the materials and began experimenting immediately. The most popular instruments being shaped were guitars and drums. Two students shared with me that they were at a loss for ideas and we got to brainstorm and problem solve together. One of these students became excited about the process and discovering new ways to make sounds with popsicle stick and a jar. The other didn’t want to persist in the process, but after encouragement and the introduction of a new material (thanks Dr. Rowe!), she was excited about creating something unique.
After work time, students cleaned up the materials and met back at their seats with their instrument. After some reminders about respectful listening to ensure instruments remained un-played until it was time, AJ began explaining the noise making group game. He began the game by making a noise on his homemade washboard, the instructors joined in one by one, then each student joined in playing their instrument when signaled.
Final Outcomes
Each student made an upcycled, original instrument that made a sound and was decorated with paint sticks. The class played their instruments all at once to create a group sound. We are excited to display the instruments and share the recording of the collaborative sound at the final exhibition.
The students were enthusiastic throughout the process of creating their instrument and were more than willing to play their instrument individually and with the group. Every student asked if they could take their work home right after class so it seemed they were excited to continue to use and share the final outcomes.
Future Modifications
This would be an interesting lesson that integrates art with music class in an elementary setting. Students could learn about bands like STOMP, how instruments are designed and made, acoustics, etc. in music class and then practice applying the knowledge by building their instruments (and being successful because the process will be based in knowledge about instruments). Then after they make their instrument in art class, they could do the collaborative song back in music class.
This is a chaotic and active lesson that could be overstimulating for students. Having a quiet space available for students who need a break would be a great tool to consider. Offering headphones or other noise cancelling options would also support students who would experience sensory overload. Breaking the room into work space and practice space (where they can play their instrument) could help mitigate the sound as well.
For students who struggle to come up with an idea or who aren’t excited about the lesson having special materials (larger, unique, attractive) to offer can help spark engagement.
