In this project, students explored the science of sound by doing a variety of experiments and investigations in science and engineering exploratories from tinkering with instruments to attending performances to get a live experience of the power of music. After detailed research, students wrote opinion pieces on their favorite song, string instrument, and music genre. Finally, students created prototypes to design their own instrument.
The second part of the project, students focused on the ways humans and animals communicate through sound. First graders learned that sound can be used to teach through songs and performances and that animals use sound to communicate and survive. First graders created a Youtube Channel to share their learning in the form of music videos and digital audio books. To see details of our project, and student work, click on the link below
First Grade HTeNC Youtube Channel
Teacher Reflection
Students are naturally curious and interested in music. We were happy to provide shared experiences for students who had never seen live music performances or have played an instrument. We brought in percussion instruments from around the world for students to play, as well as string instruments such as the guitar and keyboard. Students also had a chance to make their own instruments and experiment with different sounds and sound waves. Our favorite moments of the project were our HTENCoachella Concerts where teachers and musicians from all over our village came to perform and all students were invited to enjoy the music. In addition, curated digital research rooms were a great way to differentiate the research process and give students access to high quality, diverse texts. Learning about sound, music, and feelings provided a platform for rich conversations about the world we live in and how to be kind, conscious members of society.
—Jamelle, Jen, & Paige
Student Reflection
The part that I’m most excited about is to come up with the song and actually sing it.
—Elliot
I liked when we took notes about the different instruments. I love the electric guitar!
-Ximena
In this project, students explored the science of sound by doing a variety of experiments and investigations in science and engineering exploratories from tinkering with instruments to attending performances to get a live experience of the power of music. After detailed research, students wrote opinion pieces on their favorite song, string instrument, and music genre. Finally, students created prototypes to design their own instrument.
The second part of the project, students focused on the ways humans and animals communicate through sound. First graders learned that sound can be used to teach through songs and performances and that animals use sound to communicate and survive. First graders created a Youtube Channel to share their learning in the form of music videos and digital audio books. To see details of our project, and student work, click on the link below
First Grade HTeNC Youtube Channel
Teacher Reflection
Students are naturally curious and interested in music. We were happy to provide shared experiences for students who had never seen live music performances or have played an instrument. We brought in percussion instruments from around the world for students to play, as well as string instruments such as the guitar and keyboard. Students also had a chance to make their own instruments and experiment with different sounds and sound waves. Our favorite moments of the project were our HTENCoachella Concerts where teachers and musicians from all over our village came to perform and all students were invited to enjoy the music. In addition, curated digital research rooms were a great way to differentiate the research process and give students access to high quality, diverse texts. Learning about sound, music, and feelings provided a platform for rich conversations about the world we live in and how to be kind, conscious members of society.
—Jamelle, Jen, & Paige
Student Reflection
The part that I’m most excited about is to come up with the song and actually sing it.
—Elliot
I liked when we took notes about the different instruments. I love the electric guitar!
-Ximena
