Project-Based Learning with Multimedia for Second Grade Music Students:  Streaming Media Performance Videos & Original Music Compositions Online

A lesson plan by Maureen Spranza Doron, Tonal Essence, Lorenzo Manor Elementary School, Hayward, CA

Level/Grade/Class:

K-2. This project can be adapted for any grade level.

Equipment/Materials

Materials Needed for Class of 20

1. Composition Paper
   1. 20 Sheets Primary Music Staff Paper
   2. 21 Pencils and Eraser
2. Computer Hardware & Accessories
   1. 4 Complete Computers including Soundcard and Speakers or Headphones
   2. Internet Access for project downloads
   3. Disks for saving Students’ Work
   4. Microtek ScanWizard 5 or other Scanner
3. Computer Software
   1. Finale Notepad or other music notation software
      (Finale Notepad available for free download at www.makemusic.com/notation_software.html)
   2. Microsoft Front Page 2000 or Other Web Page Software
4. Glockenspiel
   1. 21 Small Glockenspiels with Mallets
   2. Music Stand
5. Video
   1. IBM PC Camera Pro Max or other similar video camera
   2. Small 1/8″ jack microphone to plug into Soundcard
   3. Complete computer including working USB port
   4. Computer-to-TV display such as Focus PC Micro

Lesson Time:

4 to 6 class periods

Student knowledge and skills:

Basic knowledge of rhythm and melody. Kodaly rhythm syllables referenced specifically.

Overview:

This is a project in which student make a sustained effort to work alone and collaborate with others to create a Multimedia Project that is displayed online.  This project consists of learning activities that lead to the attainment of the National Music Standards, and National Educational Technology Standards, and TI:ME Standards. The final project consists of a streaming media video of their glockenspiel performance, as well as an interactive file of their composition.

MENC Standards:

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
4. Composing and Arranging Music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.

Outcomes:

Students will

• demonstrate the ability the ability to use input and output devices to operate computers.
• demonstrate the ability to read and write  musical symbols to express a feeling or thought.
• communicate about technology and music using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.
• work cooperatively with others when using technology and music equipment in the classroom. Students will practice responsible use of  technology systems and software, as well as musical instruments.
• create Streaming Media Performance Videos and Original Music Compositions Online.

Objectives:

• To allow students to develop newly acquired technology skills while learning the music curricula.
• To engage students in the process of gathering knowledge while synthesizing  music and internet technology.
• To increase student ability to use the internet to locate, select and use information to solve problems.

Who: 2nd Grade Class/es

What Specific Activity: Composing & Notating Music on paper & in Finale Notepad, Practicing & Performing on Glockenspiel, Recording performance on audio and/or video.

Procedure:

1. Step One (Paper)
   1. Teacher and students should compose a model.
      1. Do the students want rest or a note?
      2. Which rest and note do they want?
      3. If it is a note, which letter/pitch do they want, C, E, G, or A?
      4. What number does the symbol stand for – how many beats?
      5. Does it add up to two beats in the measure?
   2. Children use a piece of Primary Music Staff Paper and Pencil to compose a 4 bar phrase in 2/4 time for glockenspiel using known rhythms with a beat and the notes do, mi, sol, la (CEGA). Students are allowed to sing the notes, chant ta’s and titi’s, as well as play the glockenspiel.  Students will get 3 points when they finish.
2. Step Two
   1. Download free software: Finale Notepad in front of class.  Keep a record of which classes have seen it downloaded and installed.  If it is already installed, go to Control Panel: Remove Program and remove it.
   2. S  Keep track of who is where. With a helper, students input their notes and title onto the music graphics program Finale Note Pad.  When finished, they saved as a .mus and an.html file on their class disk, and were required to help the next person.
   3. If the student takes a long time completing their paper, and is waiting a long time for their turn on the computer, student can scan their work instead.
3. Step Three
   1. Students practiced reading notes and performing on the glockenspiel.  Students must know that you have to think whether the note is a Ta-ah, Ta, or ti-ti  AND whether it is a C, E, G, or A, at the same time.  Student should evaluate their own performance.
4. Step Four
   1. Perform for the class and the PC Camera.  Click on Capture to record the view, Stop to Stop Recording, and Save to save.  Their image was saved as a compressed .avi file and if a permission slip had been returned, inserted with their composition in the school’s web page.
   2. A more expensive camera could generate a higher quality video. If you forget to compress the video, try using Sonic Foundry’s Stream Anywhere program.
   3. If you do not have a camera and would like to record only audio, insert a mini-plug (1/8″ jack) microphone into your soundcard.  Go to Start-Programs-Accessories-Entertainment or Multimedia and adjust your Properties for recording as a .wav file.

Follow-up:

• Play videos on Media Player and discuss.
  • The children should demonstrate proper audience behavior when viewing videos.
• Students are given a parent letter that tells how to access the child’s work online.

Individual Modifications:

This project is not limited to2nd grade or even the subject of music.  Teachers at any level can create inexpensive streaming media videos of their students doing oral language activities, etc., and can scan math problems, or insert files of student work online. 

Evaluation: