Experiencing Sound through Matter By Anna Bosworth

• Learning targets:
I can identify the physical characteristics between materials.
I can play the different dynamics (loud/soft sound) using different
objects.
I can replicate a short rhythmic pattern.

• Grade Level: Kindergarten

• Time: 70 minutes

• Grade Level Standards:

Science:

Structure of Matter PS1.A K-2: Matter exists as different

substances that have observable different properties. Different
properties suited to different purposes. Objects can be built up
from smaller parts.

Music:

ART.M.I.K.3: Sing and play expressively utilizing extreme

opposites of dynamics and interpretation.

ART.M.I.K.7: Replicate short rhythmic and melodic patterns.

• Source Materials: None

• Teaching Materials: cotton balls, blocks, rocks, playdoh,

fabric, marbles, plastic straws, pencils
1. Engaging (10min) –
Have students stay in their seats and ask them to take out one
objects like a pencil, eraser, marker, etc and lightly tap them on
table then progress to making louder noises.
This will allow them to become engaged and have fun with the
sounds they are making.

Grouping: Whole class Type: sound/music/objects

- Internal Assessment
How did you make sounds softer/louder?
Describe the sounds you heard from your object.

2. Building Knowledge (15min) –

Give a definition of matter and explain the physical qualities of
different objects (shape, color, feel).
Explain how matter differs by substances used like wood, plastic,
and rock.
Introduce elements of music including timbre and dynamics.
Describe materials used in this lesson, listed above.

Grouping: Whole class Type: Discussion

Display how to make soft sounds and loud sounds.

Demonstrate appropriate ways to handle materials.
Have students make predictions about physical qualities.
Distribute materials – each student getting an object.
Lead the testing of each material by tapping on table or tapping
two objects together.
After testing each object together, talk about the sound it makes.

Grouping: Whole class/small group

- Internal Assessment
What is matter?
What are some physical characteristics you saw?
Which objects have the softest/loudest sound?
Which material makes your favorite sound? Why?

3. Exploring (20min) –
Now that we are familiar with all the materials and the sounds
they make we will practice short patterns for students to
replicate.
Make rhythmic patterns using 3-4 various materials and have
them replicate them.

Grouping: Whole Class Type: learning/rehearsal

- Internal Assessment
Were you able to replicate the pattern of sounds?
Was replicating the pattern difficult/easy?
Which objects made soft dynamics/sounds?
Which objects made loud dynamics/sounds?
Why do you think some objects made louder sounds than others?

4. Sharing (15min)
Have students partner up and create a pattern of their own for
their partner to replicate. Demonstrate this with a student.
Assist students where needed.
Keep them focused and using the objects properly.
No talking rules – only make noise with objects.

Grouping: Pairs Type: building their own pattern

- Internal Assessment
Walk around to each group and observe their replication of
patterns.
Inform them that they are making music! “You guys are
wonderful musicians!”

5. Evaluating (10min) –
What are the types of dynamics?
What is matter?
How can you identify different physical properties of matter?
Which objects made soft sounds?
Which objects made loud sounds?

6. Before or after the lesson:

I could make other types of patterns for them to replicate.
They could individually show their pattern one at a time.
We could discuss matter and physical properties of objects in the
room.
I could have a handout prepared for them to draw out their
objects to incorporate visual arts.
We could watch a video with musicians using objects like ours to
make music.

7. Vocabulary—Science and Music

Dynamics – loud and soft sounds

Rhythmic Patterns – a pattern of sound that has melody and

multiple different sounds or beats

Matter – is all around you. Anything that has mass and takes up
space is matter (example: trees, rocks, animals, radios, cars)

Physical Properties – shape, color, feel, etc of an objects. You

notice the physical properties from looking with your eyes and
feeling with your hands