Students will explore the intersection of music, culture, and history by creating a unique musical performance using everyday kitchen tools, fostering an understanding of sound and vibration. Through this project, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they investigate how musical instruments are influenced by geographical and cultural contexts. The experience will culminate in a community concert, where students will present their compositions and reflect on their learning journey, building a sense of identity and belonging.
Learning goals
Students will explore the relationship between sound and cultural identity by creating music using cooking implements, which will deepen their understanding of how materials produce specific sounds. They will document their musical creations using an invented form of notation, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking. Through the process, students will compare historical and contemporary perspectives on musical instruments, enhancing their academic mindset and sense of belonging within their community.
Standards
D2.His.16.3-5 - Use evidence to develop a claim about the past.
D2.His.11.3-5 - Infer the intended audience and purpose of a historical source from information within the source itself.
D2.His.4.K-2 - Compare perspectives of people in the past to those of people in the present.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will collaboratively create a unique musical performance using cooking implements as instruments, capturing their compositions with an invented form of musical notation. They will research and prepare a dish from their community to accompany their musical exhibition, exploring the cultural significance of both the food and music. The final product will be a community concert where students present their musical piece and share the stories behind their chosen dish, fostering a deeper understanding of regional culture and history.
Launch
Begin the project by gathering students for an immersive listening session of "Peter and the Wolf," encouraging them to identify and discuss the different instruments and sounds they hear. Facilitate a conversation about how each instrument represents a character and how sound can tell a story. Connect this to the essential question by exploring how different cultures use unique instruments to convey stories and emotions, setting the stage for students to explore and create their own musical compositions using community kitchen implements.
Exhibition
Students will host a community concert where they perform a musical piece using cooking implements as instruments, showcasing their understanding of sound and vibrations. They will create an original form of musical notation to document their composition, demonstrating creativity and comprehension of musical elements. The event will also feature food sourced from the community, allowing students to connect their project to local culture and geography. This exhibition will invite community members to engage with the students' work, fostering a sense of place and belonging.