This task is a mini physics project that requires students to apply their knowledge of sound to create a musical instrument.
Students are asked to:
Summarise key ideas about how instruments produce sound
Describe the difference between wind/string instruments
Create an instrument using scrap materials around the home
Identify the notes that their instrument produces
Refine and adjust their instrument to play particular notes
Play a song with their instrument
The resource is ideal for students working at different levels as the task gradually increases in difficulty. Teachers may choose to differentiate by providing access to only parts of this assessment based on student ability levels.
The resource also includes links to additional supporting resources.
This resources is well suited to set for students during home isolation, cross-curricular contexts, and project based learning contexts.
Key skills students will practice in this task include: summarising, communicating scientific ideas, applying physics concepts in practice, thinking critically and creatively, problem solving, and understanding the design process.