6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades  Project 40 weeks

The Sound Mission: Play, Teach, Transform

Claudia B
LS.3.A
LS.3.B
LS.4.D
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will engage in a year-long project where they become both learners and teachers, exploring the inheritance and variation of traits, and the impact of biodiversity on humans. By collaborating with community partners, including string, choir, and guitar students, they will create simplified musical pieces for younger children, deepening their understanding of music theory while fostering a sense of identity and belonging. This project encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students reflect on their roles in the community and develop innovative strategies to share knowledge effectively, creating a lasting ripple effect.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively design and simplify musical pieces for younger children, deepening their understanding of musical concepts such as theory, rhythm, and harmony. They will engage in reflective practices to enhance self-directed learning and academic mindset, fostering a sense of identity and belonging through music. By teaching peers and younger students, they will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, exploring innovative strategies to share knowledge and create a community ripple effect. Through this process, students will gain insights into their roles as musicians beyond the stage, enhancing their perception and mastery of music.
Standards
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.3.A - Inheritance of Traits
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.3.B - Variation of Traits
  • [Next Generation Science Standards] LS.4.D - Biodiversity and Humans
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 design and create simplified musical pieces, tailored for younger children, that incorporate elements of music theory, rhythm, and harmony. These compositions will be performed in a community showcase, where students will also engage in reflective discussions about their learning journey and the impact of their teaching. Additionally, students will document their process and insights in a digital portfolio, capturing their growth in understanding and the ripple effect of their knowledge sharing within the community.

Launch

To launch this project, students will participate in a "Music and Knowledge Fair," where they will showcase a piece of music they have learned to a group of younger students from the community. Each student will prepare a short presentation explaining the musical concepts involved in their piece, using simplified language and interactive demonstrations. This experience will prompt students to reflect on how teaching music deepens their own understanding and how their role as musicians extends beyond performance to include education and community impact.

Exhibition

At the end of this learning experience, students will host a community music festival where they perform simplified musical pieces they've arranged for younger children. Each student will present a brief talk on the process of teaching music, highlighting insights gained and strategies developed. The event will feature interactive workshops led by students, where attendees can learn basic musical concepts and try playing instruments. This exhibition will not only showcase students' musical and teaching skills but also foster a sense of community and shared learning.