MATH

 

Lesson 6

Lesson Title:  Fractions and Rhythm

Synopsis: This lesson has students learn about the part-whole relationship of fractions by completing a handout that relates fractions to rhythms in music. Students will then compose short melodies with notation software based on their completed worksheets.

Authors:  J. Frankel & K. O’Malley

Interdisciplinary Pairing:  Mathematics & Music

 

Objectives: 

  • Students will complete a series of handouts to understand the part-whole relationship of fractions as related to music & rhythm.
  • Based on their completed handouts, the students will compose short melodies using notation software.

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Prior Knowledge & Skills: 

  • Basic knowledge of fractions – part:whole, numerator/denominator, adding benchmark fractions (halves, quarters)
  • Basic knowledge of notation software (Sibelius, Finale, Finale NotePad)

Equipment: 

  • Computer lab with notation software such as Sibelius, Finale, Finale NotePad.

 

Duration: 

This lesson takes place over 2 - 3 45-minute class periods.

Materials:

  • Rhythm CHART HANDOUT
  • Rhythmic examples HANDOUT
  • Sibelius, Finale, Finale NotePad

Procedure:

Day 1:

  • Anticipatory Set:  What fraction is shaded? AND 1/4 + 1/4 + 2/4=?
    • Relate part/whole exercise to example at top of RHYTHM CHART HANDOUT
    • Emphasize that all measures in music are wholes and any notes within measure are parts of whole
    • Show students that the rhythm quarter, quarter, half note is whole; measure is NOT finished until correct number of beats is in it …. That’s always the whole
  • Students complete RHYTHMIC EXAMPLES HANDOUT with teacher’s help
  • Finish part II of HANDOUT for HW

Day 2:

  • Transfer their homework to Sibelius, Finale, or Finale NotePad – composing music based on rhythm created in HW
  • Share rhythms - discuss

 Day 3:

  • Students will convert their rhythms to melodies using notation software
  • Share melodies - discuss/compare/contrast

 Evaluation:

  • SCORING RUBRIC - LESSON 6
    • Scoring final project

Lesson Extension:
         

  • Based on short melodies they create in lesson, music teacher can use as inspiration to expand on compositions

 

 

 

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