Online Learning & Course Building

Introduction:

In this 5 week project-based learning course, students will create a music project based on a community figure of their own choosing, using musical concepts in order to compose a song, technology, and student choice to encourage experimental learning.  Community figures will be researched to make connections to both individual student’s life and core subjects.  Students will be encouraged to explore connections between core subjects, music and life.   

Overarching Course Goal:

Learners will be able to apply music concepts to create a musical project that is personally meaningful, creative and expressive.

Desired Results:

Students will create a musical project that is personally meaningful, creative and expressive about a community figure that holds special meaning to them.  Using the COVA approach, students will be able to have voice, choice and ownership of their projects.  These PBL projects can include (but not be limited to) song parodies, song composition, music video creations, etc.  Projects will be housed on a central site for future reference and community connect.  

Students will be able to reflect upon course at each stage and provide feedback for improvement.

 

Audience:

5th grade choir members – The school is located on Wheeling Island in Wheeling, WV.  It is a Title I school serving a diverse, low socioeconomic community.  Not all students have access to the internet or devices outside of the school day.

Materials:

  • Chromebooks
  • iPads, if possible
  • Research materials on community figures for student inspiration
    • Videos
    • Pictures
  • Planning tools (Google Docs, paper, pencil, etc.)
  • Assignment Sheets for timeless progress
  • Reflection forms
  • Feedback forms
  • Sample Website and/or app access:
    • Noteflight.com
    • MusicTechTeacher.com
    • Google Suite
    • Audacity
    • GarageBand
    • WeVideo
    • Drumbit.app
    • Rhythm Cat
    • Chrome Music Lab
    • iMovie

Learning Goals

Learning Activities

Assessment Activities

Week 1:

Identify and create rhythmic and melodic patterns using whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, and the corresponding rests.

 

Work alone and/or in groups to practice rhythmic skills, hearing and playing/singing rhythms using various websites such as Chrome Music Lab and Music Tech Teacher.  Or depending on tech available, GarageBand.

Pattern creations using Noteflight.com and/or staff paper

Auditory assessments

Week 2:

Write song parodies based upon simple songs to start with, leading into more difficult songs

Work alone and/or in groups to write song lyrics in order to create a song parody.

Perform parody for group and/or record.

Written lyrics

Observation

Performance or recording of parody

Week 3:

Create connections to community through music

Choose a personally significant community feature and create a song and video about it

Use Google Docs, Noteflight, GarageBand, WeVideo or another app to create song.

Written lyrics

Observation

Peer & Self evaluations

Week 4:

Observe and evaluate performances

Listen to and watch various examples.  Discuss characteristics of a good parody.

Self and peer evaluations

 

Week 5:

Reflect and adjust

Reflect upon peer evaluations and adjust projects as needed

Self-reflections

Project adjustments

Week 5:

Connect with community

Using projects, create lasting community connections with partners in education and school community.

Observation

Video Projects