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Title: MAKING MUSIC NATURALLY
Author: Leslie Repp Eulalie R. Rivera
Grade Level: K-2

Concepts: Disciplines:
6. Resources 1. Music
9. Change 2. Science
3.Social Studies

Objective:

The students will make their own instruments using a variety of plant materials. The students
will observe the seed or plant material from a green to a dried state.

Rationale:

Percussion and rattles are the oldest accompaniment to tribal ceremony and war chants,
Shaman, or medicine man rituals. Drumbeats were used in code to send messages.

Directions/Activity:

(NOTE: Advance preparation and time-lapse required)

1. Make a collection of seeds and plant parts including coconut, shak-shak from
flamboyant trees, calabash, cane, bamboo, etc.
2. Allow these things to dry by placing in area with low humidity and expose to sunlight.
Note the differences in materials from green to dry state. Example: Shak-shak makes
no noise when it is green but when it is dried the seeds inside make a sound.
3. When dried, allow the children to shake them and decide what is creating the sound.
4. Bamboo of different thickness and length, mounted on sticks, make a marimba when
struck. Bamboo sticks can also be drilled to make a flute.
5. Set up codes and use materials to send messages.
6. Combine sounds to make music.
7. Discuss with children how nature provides for our many needs; how some things have
many different uses: Example: Dried calabash to make caps, bowls, baking dishes or
maracas.
8. If time during the year permits, plant some of the dried seeds or place cane in ground to
sprout.



















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