Learning Objectives:

NC computing: pupils should be taught to - design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems. Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs. Use search technologies effectively. use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour.

NC Mathematics: compare durations of events [for example to calculate the time taken by particular events or tasks]. Solve addition and subtraction two-step problems in contexts, deciding which operations and methods to use and why. Solve problems involving converting from hours to minutes; minutes to seconds; years to months; weeks to days.

NC Music: sing a broad range of unison songs with the range of an octave (do–do). Structure musical ideas (e.g. using echo or question and answer phrases) to create music that has a beginning, middle and end. Combine known rhythmic notation with letter names to create short pentatonic phrases using a limited range of 5 pitches suitable for the instruments being learnt.

Sing and play these phrases as self-standing compositions.

NC Science: identify common appliances that run on electricity.

construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts. Recognise some common conductors and insulators, and associate metals with being good conductors.

Working Scientifically:

• Asking relevant questions and using different types of scientific enquiries to answer them
• Identifying differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes
• Using straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support their findings.

Learning Outcomes (teacher speak):

• Build digital musical instruments with Makey Makey.

• Work safely online, use effectively.

• Compare the duration of the event through composition and performance (beats, length of the notes)

• Use addition and subtraction through composition.

• Develop the skills of composition.

• Sing and play the music.

• Understand conductors and insulators.

• Understand positive and negative polarity.

• Perform songs with their custom-built digital musical instruments.

Lesson Context: 

This lesson was designed by following the STEAM (STEM subjects through the arts)  approach. The lesson has been created to learn complicated concepts through creative, fun experiments.

This lesson is planned for 2 hours (with a break).

Prior Learning:

Students know how to log in and start the school computer with their account (Not compulsory).

Switch the order of the slides, or skip steps according to class ability.

Cross-curricular links:

This activity links music and computing, mathematics and science.

Introduction (Teacher Led)

Whole class activity looking at the slide: Makey Makey ruler piano.

Discuss keywords:

• Electricity - How do we use it?
• USB - The Universal Serial Bus. that allows a person to connect an electronic device to the computer.
• Positive and Negative - Discuss about circuit ‘- & -, + & +, + & -’.
• Conductor and Insulator - What is conductive, what is not conducive?
• Musical Notes - Start with C, can you name the following notes?

Prompt students to answer the question by thinking, not guessing. The conversation addresses the importance of Working Scientifically: how will it affect this experiment.

Challenge:

Allow all students to answer.

More able students challenged themselves to name the insulator and conductor, think about the names of the various metals.

Support:

LSA to sit with the less able students to enable concentration and prompt understanding.

Consider printing the slides, according to student needs.

Assessment:

Record the information on your notes as the activity unfolds.

Main Activity (Independent/adult guided)

• Computer and Makey Makey and USB are set before the session.
• Students work in pairs of mixed abilities.
• Students log into their accounts, launch Chrome, open the template link.

Level 1: Play with fingers

• Connect the Makey Makey to the computer via USB, hold negative and touch positive.
• play notes.

Level 2: Crocodile clips

• Discussion about the materials of crocodile clips.
• Connect crocodile clips to the MakeyMakey by following the slides.
• Go to the menu and select level 2.
• Hold metal parts of crocodile clips, and play.

• Level 3: High five
• Go to the menu and select level 3.
• One person holds the negative cable, the other holds the positive cable.
• Do high-five, play melodies and their combinations..

Level 4: ruler piano

• Go to the menu and select level 4.
• Discussion about the materials of the ruler piano.
• Connect crocodile clips to the ruler.
• Test if all notes work.

Level 5: Composition

• Compose a song together by following the slides.
• Go to the menu and select level 5.
• Practice.
• Performance
• Change the tempo according to the attainment.

Challenge:

More able students can add more bars of music. Or decide the structure of music.

Support:

Less able students to work with more ables or the LSA to support their work. If the students are struggling with the tasks, LSA helps to connect the cables, perhaps reduce the numbers of bars of music to perform.

Assessment: 

Record interesting collaboration processes. Keep an eye on groups working well and support students who may not be participating.

Monitor student progress.

End / Final Plenary

10 minutes to the final, ask students to pay attention to slides. Recap what happened in the lesson. Ask the questions to remind how we worked in the experiment. Ask musical questions about notes, composition, how they are composed today(notation, rhythm). Ask if the students have any questions about the lesson. Praise the students for achievement and teamwork.

Challenge:

More able students can present the idea of the composition.

Support:

Teacher to support the less able with the LSA’s support.

Assessment:

Record any interesting moments. Share videos and pictures on the school social media.