SoundLab Episode 3: Sonic Conversations

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Describe patterns in soundwaves in terms of amplitude, wavelength, and frequency
• Understand frequency’s relationship to pitch and amplitude’s relationship to volume
• Identify connector and cadence rhythms
• Create a musical composition utilizing question and answer phrases
• Construct guidelines for a healthy conversation and apply them in a conversation with classmates
• Understand music as a form of self-expression and a tool for communication
• Listen and respond to distinct sounds while maintaining a steady beat

Activities

All activities are presented in Google Slides.

• Activity 1: Amplitude, Frequency, and Wavelength [STEAM] – Students uncover patterns in soundwaves and explore the PhET wave simulator to experiment with the frequency and amplitude of soundwaves.

• Activity 2: Question and Answer [Music, SEL] – Students compose a series of musical question and answer phrases alone or with a friend demonstrating the use of connector and cadence rhythms. This activity can be done through Soundtrap or a similar program. Complimentary Soundtrap accounts for educators may be available through Breach.

• Activity 3: The Art of Conversation [Music, SEL] – Students reflect on and create a series of class norms for having conversations. Then they practice these norms by navigating a conversation with classmates on the topic of Tom and Alan’s Snare Drum Improvisation.

• Activity 4: Pulse Pass [Music, SEL] – Students listen, react, and respond during a friendly game of Pulse Pass and reflect on the similarities and differences between the game and a conversation with words.

Vocabulary

• Amplitude
• Cadence
• Compressions
• Connector
• Dialogue
• Electrical energy
• Frequency
• Monologue
• Oscilloscope
• Pitch
• Question and answer
• Rarefactions
• Soundwave
• Volume
• Wavelength