Axis STEM 2019 Honors Summer Assignment
Musical Instrument DIY
In an effort to push students to work outside the traditional confines of academics, we would like you to start your Axis experience with some creation and innovation. We challenge you to build a functional musical instrument out of everyday (non-musical) objects.
This hands-on summer assignment has many goals. The goal of the creative component is to present a well-designed, functional product that not only performs accurately but also exemplifies your unique design and best work. The goal of the performance component is to both prove your product’s functionality and to introduce yourself to the core. You will also complete a writing prompt that documents your innovation process for the instrument and the greater role of innovation in American history.
We are looking forward to seeing your best, most creative work.
Details:
Writing Prompt:
Read closely: What Was the Greatest Era for Innovation? A Brief Guided Tour by Neil Irwin
Respond to the following questions in one paragraph each:
Respond to the questions with your own opinions, but be sure to refer to evidence from the article to support your claim.
Awards will be given for: The Most Creative Instrument, Greatest Tonal Control, Most Entertaining Performance.
Looking forward to seeing your creations!
Grading details and more information can be found HERE
If you have any questions, please contact us...
This hands-on summer assignment has many goals. The goal of the creative component is to present a well-designed, functional product that not only performs accurately but also exemplifies your unique design and best work. The goal of the performance component is to both prove your product’s functionality and to introduce yourself to the core. You will also complete a writing prompt that documents your innovation process for the instrument and the greater role of innovation in American history.
We are looking forward to seeing your best, most creative work.
Details:
- Create a musical instrument out of household objects that uses a mechanism to produce or modify the instrument’s sound. This mechanism must be some moving part that creates or influences the sound.
- Ex. A piano uses a “mechanism” when the musician pushes the keys which cause hammers to strike strings.
- Bring your functional instrument on the first day of school and be able to perform the song “Happy Birthday to You.” You should also be ready to explain how you made it.
- Bring a typed and printed copy of the writing prompt to turn in.
Writing Prompt:
Read closely: What Was the Greatest Era for Innovation? A Brief Guided Tour by Neil Irwin
Respond to the following questions in one paragraph each:
- Which innovation has made the greatest impact on American life? Explain your thinking in detail.
- What is a common thread you see in the descriptions of innovation throughout the decades?
Respond to the questions with your own opinions, but be sure to refer to evidence from the article to support your claim.
Awards will be given for: The Most Creative Instrument, Greatest Tonal Control, Most Entertaining Performance.
Looking forward to seeing your creations!
Grading details and more information can be found HERE
If you have any questions, please contact us...
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