CURRICULUM INDEX

The Science of Sound: Design a Musical Instrument            Grades 3-5
This curriculum module engages upper elementary students in explorations of sound through the construction of LEGO musical instruments. Students build LEGO versions of drums, guitars, and maracas, and they conduct various investigations to learn about the properties of these instruments and about the science of sound.

Contents of the Curriculum Resources Packet:

(1) Teacher’s Guide 
    Introduction to the Unit
    Prep Lesson  Introduction to LEGO Engineering
    Lesson 1        Sound Scavenger Hunt
    Lesson 2        Sturdy Instrument Frames
    Lesson 3        Sound Vibrations with LEGO Drums
    Lesson 4        Traveling Sound Vibrations
    Lesson 5        LEGO Guitars
    Lesson 6        Motorized LEGO Guitars
    Lesson 7        LEGO Maracas
    Lesson 8        Final Instrument Design
    Lesson 9        Instrument Design Expo

(2) Student Handouts for All Lessons                      

(3) Supplemental Teacher Resources
    Musical Instrument Photos
    Background Information on the Science of Sound
    Classroom Posters
    Assessment Rubrics for Each Lesson
    Final Design Project Rubric

Download the Curriculum PDF (6MB)

Contents of the Supplemental Zip File:

(1) NXT-G Program for Lesson 6
(2) Musical Instrument Samples
(3) Assessment Rubric Spreadsheets

Download the Zip File (4MB)

 The preparation of this curriculum was partially supported by grant DRL-0633952 from the National Science Foundation. Grantees undertaking such projects are encouraged to express freely their professional judgment. This curriculum, therefore, does not necessarily represent the position or policies of the National Science Foundation.