Designing Musical Instruments Using Material Properties
Ideas of what you can use for instrumentsCopyright 2021 Catherine Jones, University of Texas NASCENT RET
Students use recyclable materials to make musical instruments. Students learn the different states of matter and that matter has properties. They observe and classify recycled materials by size, color, material and any other property the students feel is important. As they observe the materials, students decide which materials would work best for instruments. Students use the engineering design process to create and build an instrument. Working with a small group, they collaborate, ask, imagine, plan, create, and test their instrument. As time allows, they also improve their instrument by thinking about what materials can be added or taken away to make their instrument sound and work better.
Scientists look at the physical properties of materials (matter) to classify them and determine their best use or purpose. Engineers use these materials to invent, design, and maintain a variety of materials and structures. Engineers use the engineering design process to create and make improvements in order to arrive at their end product. Determining the most suitable material for a project can mean the difference between success and failure.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Describe the physical characteristics of matter.
- Sort matter into like groups based on their properties.
- Work through the engineering design process.
- Determine which materials work best for different instruments based on their properties.