Create a Music Maker

Discover the benefits of designing for function by creating musical instruments!

Before You Play

Invite your child to share times when she’s made plans before doing something. Ask, "Why do we make plans?” Discuss how inventors often make plans before they build their inventions. These plans or designs help them think about what they want their inventions to do and how, and can help them avoid problems. If possible, watch the Cyberchase episode “Designing Mr. Perfect” with your child to further explore this idea.

Directions

Give your child the “Music to Our Ears” and “My Invention Design” printables.

Allow time for her to examine and make sounds with the instrument-making materials provided. Have her use the “My Invention Design” printable to write about her ideas for a music maker and sketch a plan that shows what parts it should include.

To help your child think of sounds she might make, talk about ways that some familiar musical instruments make sound (striking, plucking, blowing, shaking, vibrating, etc.). If your child has trouble coming up with ideas, use the “Ideas to Get You Started” printable for suggestions.

After your child has designed her invention, have her build it. Then have her check the sound the invention makes against the original plan. Is she getting the sound she wanted? If not, have her revise her design or set a new goal to fix the problem.

Invite your child to talk about her instrument and the different ways she found to make different sounds. Encourage your child to experiment and try making more music makers!