Lesson Plan: Can you teach me how to turn a carrot into a recorder?
Lesson Plan: Can you teach me how to turn a carrot into a recorder?
Grade Level: 9-12
Subject: Music and DIY Crafts
Objective: Students will learn how to transform a carrot into a functional recorder instrument, exploring the principles of sound production and DIY craftsmanship.
Materials Needed:
- Carrots (one per student)
- Knife or vegetable peeler
- Drill or small hand drill with drill bits
- Sandpaper
- Pen or pencil
- Music sheets or recorder fingering charts
Procedure:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the concept of DIY musical instruments and their historical significance.
- Introduce the idea of using a carrot as a unique material to create a functional recorder.
- Explain that students will learn how to transform a carrot into a playable instrument.
2. Carving the Recorder (20 minutes):
- Provide each student with a carrot and demonstrate how to carefully peel off the outer skin using a knife or vegetable peeler.
- Show them how to shape one end of the carrot into a mouthpiece resembling the opening of a recorder.
- Instruct students to use a pen or pencil to mark where the finger holes will be located along the length of the carrot.
3. Drilling the Finger Holes (20 minutes):
- Explain the importance of accurate hole placement for proper sound production.
- Instruct students to use a drill or small hand drill with appropriate-sized drill bits to carefully drill the marked finger holes.
- Remind them to start with smaller holes and gradually increase the size until the desired pitch is achieved.
4. Refining and Tuning (15 minutes):
- Instruct students to use sandpaper to smooth the exterior of the carrot recorder, focusing on the mouthpiece area and finger holes.
- Demonstrate how to adjust the size and shape of the finger holes to achieve the desired pitch and sound quality.
5. Learning to Play (30 minutes):
- Provide students with music sheets or recorder fingering charts.
- Instruct them to practice playing simple melodies on their carrot recorders, using the correct fingerings.
- Encourage creativity by allowing students to compose their own tunes or adapt existing songs.
6. Reflection and Performance (10 minutes):
- Have students reflect on the process of turning a carrot into a recorder.
- Instruct them to share their experiences and challenges faced during the project.
- Give students the opportunity to perform a short piece or demonstrate their carrot recorders to the class.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.4: Produce clear and coherent writing (reflection and performance analysis).
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.GMD.A.1: Give an informal argument for the formulas for the circumference of a circle.
Here is what you'll need!How To Turn A Carrot Into A Recorder SUPPLIESLarge carrotBaby carrotKitchen knifeDrillLarge drill bit INSTRUCTIONS1. Slice the top of your large carrot.2. Using a large drill bit, drill straight down into the carrot as far as you can go.3. Slice into the carrot about an inch down from the top. The cut should go about a third of the way through the carrot.4. About and inch and a half down (4 cm) from the cut, slice diagonally into the carrot creating a wedge-shaped piece.5. Insert a baby carrot that fits snugly up to the second hole. Slice it off so it sits flush with the top.6. Take out the piece of baby carrot, and slice it diagonally longways creating a wedge shape.7. Insert it back in the hole thicker side first.8. Drill three holes on the side of the carrot for different tones.9. To play, cover all the holes and blow, letting air through one hole at a time.10. Enjoy your beautiful carrot music!Check us out on Facebook! - facebook.com/buzzfeedniftyCredits: https://www.buzzfeed.com/bfmp/....videos/21069MUSICHap Flute SkipLicensed via Warner Chappell Production Music Inc.Research: Daniel Younathan Inspired by: Andrew Huang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro8xEvYLR_Q&t=160s
