Monterey Symphony

SUGGESTED CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Please email activities you have used in the classroom or at home which deal with the study of sound. This is a good way to become more aware of the sounds around you.

1. NOISE BEFORE LIFE: Name 5 things in nature which cause sounds other than live animals.

2. LISTEN TO THE ANIMALS: Name 5 different sounds which animals make. How are these sounds similar? How are they different?

3. A CONFERENCE OF BIRDS: Name 5 different birds and describe the different sounds they make. Explain how each bird produces these sounds.

4. MUSICAL MARACAS: Collect several identical, empty plastic tubs like those that contained margarine or whipped topping. Collect an equal amount a variety of different objects such as dry rice, dry beans, nails, marbles, paper clips, sand, or gravel. Place identical amounts of each of these ingredients in an empty contained. Secure the lid tightly and shake. Try to compare the different sounds. Make a list of the properties you discover. For instance, the smaller the grain the (louder, quieter) the noise. The harder the grain the (louder, quieter) the noise. The lighter the grain the (louder, quieter) the noise.

5. NOISE POLICE: Investigate each part of your house for noise producers. Write down five things which make noise in the Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, Bathroom, and Garage. Write down five things which absorb sound in each of these places.

6. RECORDING PROJECT: Take a tape recorder out into the country or a large city park. Turn the recorder on and record for five minutes. Back home when it is quiet put your tape recording on and write down all the sounds that you captured. Are there any surprises? Did an airplane pass overhead? Did someone giggle? Can you hear any birds?