Fourth Graders Explore Music Learning through a Different Lens

To challenge students to explore music through a different lens, music teacher Kimberly Lostetter partnered with Doron Neuburger, maker educator in the BUILD space, to integrate music with making. One of the fourth grade classes was tasked with designing a tactile, visual representation of a whole note. They asked the questions, “How many half notes fit into a whole note?” and “How many quarter notes fit into both a whole note and a half note?” After answering those questions, students worked together to create their visual representation, which Ms. Lostetter will use when teaching the younger students about whole notes. “Students really worked together well to divide and conquer all of the work that needed to be done to see this project through to completion,” said Ms. Lostetter. “From taking measurements to cutting precise pieces of wood to sanding and staining the pieces, the class was really able to bring to life the music note.” The other fourth grade class was given a design thinking challenge: How can you raise the glockenspiels off the floor so that they are more ergonomic and still aerodynamic when played? Students worked in small groups to design and build prototypes using wood, pipes, plastic, and many other materials. “Giving the students the problem and asking them to come up with a solution, they really came alive! They were excited to put their ideas on paper and then see those ideas come to life.”