The Magic of Sound: Rain Stick Resonance Lab – SCOPES-DF
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Lesson Details

Subjects *
Computer Programming, Music
Age Ranges *
5-8,
Fab Tools *
Classroom Materials,
Standards
1-ETS1-2
Author
Beatriz Torres
Additional Contributors
Amaria Hernandez

Author

Beatriz Torres
Beatriz Torres
K-12 teacher
Hello everyone, I’m Beatriz Torres, more known as “Miss Bea”. I’m based in Guatemala City, currently working as an Art teacher for American School of Guatemala. -CAG- . I’m passionate about creativity and innovation and exploring how technology and digital… Read More

Summary

This project combines physical computing with music, science, art, and math. It uses a micro:bit to detect the ideal sound of a rain stick and react two ways: “rain-like” sound vs. “too loud” based on a conversion from decibels to LUFS (Loudness Units relative to Full Scale).

What You'll Need

  • Micro:bit V2 (preferred for built-in microphone) with battery pack
  • Laptop/tablet with MakeCode (teacher-prepared starter project recommended)
  • Cardboard tube (paper towel or mailing tube) or clear plastic tube
  • Rice, small beans, beads,chickpeas (separate small containers to try)
  • Tape, paper, crayons for decoration, end caps (cardboard)
  • Toothpicks
  • Glue

 

Learning Objectives

  • Construct a functional rainstick instrument model.
  • Measure sound levels using the micro:bit.
  • Classify sounds as “rain-like” or “too loud.”
  • Demonstrate persistence and problem-solving by testing, troubleshooting, and revising their instrument model.

 

Reflection

Check our learning diary to read the reflection of each teacher:

 

Amaria Hernández

Bea Torres

The Instructions

Research & artistic design .Duration: Approx. 1 hour

Students explore the cultural and physical origins of rainsticks and begin the external decoration of their instruments.

Engage & Research (15–20 min): Facilitate a brief discussion using the following guiding questions:

  • Are rainsticks considered “real” musical instruments?
  • What do you think is hidden inside a rainstick?
  • How do rainsticks produce their unique sound?

 

Listening Session: Play recordings of various rainstick rhythms. Encourage students to describe the textures and patterns they hear.

 

Rainstick Art (30–45 min): Provide each student with a paper towel cylinder.

  • Activity: Students decorate their cylinders using colorful tissue paper.
  • Teacher Note: While markers are an option, tissue paper is recommended for a more vibrant, textured finish.

 

Internal mechanics & dynamics. Duration: 1 hour approx.

Students focus on the internal structure of the rainstick and explore the concept of volume (loud vs. soft).

Structural Planning: Students plan the placement of the internal “baffles” (toothpicks). (30 minutes)

  • Technique: Ask students to mark dots along the cylinder and create small pilot holes for the toothpicks.
  • Critical Thinking: Ask: “What would happen to the grains if the toothpicks were clustered together instead of spaced out?” Emphasize that the sound quality depends on the uniform distribution of the toothpicks.

 

Construction: Assist students in sealing one end of their rainstick to prepare for sound testing. (10 minutes)

 

Exploring dynamics: While students work, call them up in small groups to discuss loud vs. soft sounds. (10 minutes)

  • Activity: Contrast a gentle rainstick tilt with a loud clap. Ask: “Which sound is piano (soft) and which is forte (loud)?”

 

 

Acoustic testing. Duration: 1 hour

Students experiment with different materials to find the most realistic "rain" sound.

Inquiry-Based Testing: Students investigate which grains best imitate the sound of falling rain.

 

Variable Testing: Provide various materials (e.g., beans, rice, and chickpeas).

  • Constraints: Students may use a maximum of two spoonfuls of material. They may use a single type of grain or create a custom blend.

 

Decision Making: Students must decide on their final “recipe” based on the auditory results of their tests.

 

Digital validation with Micro:bit. Duration: 1 hour

Students use a Micro:bit to scientifically measure if their rainstick falls within the target decibel range.

Preparation: Pre-load the Micro:bits with code designed to measure sound levels.

 

The “Target” Range: Explain that a standard rainstick typically falls between 20–35 decibels.

  • Teacher Note: Clarify that while decibels are the standard unit of sound measurement, the Micro:bit has been programmed to simplify these values for the test.

 

Testing & Iteration: Students test their instruments against the Micro:bit sensor.

  • L: Sound is too Loud.
  • Checkmark (✓): Sound is within the ideal range.

 

Engineering Improvement: If students do not receive a checkmark, encourage them to iterate on their design by adjusting the toothpick density or changing the grain type/amount.

 

Evaluation & Results

Evaluation Rubric includes the following aspects: -Functional Rainstick Construction -Use of Micro:bit for Measurement -Sound Classification -Problem-Solving & Persistence

Teacher can use the following evaluation rubric for this project

The Magic of Sound: Rain Stick Resonance Lab – EVALUATION RUBRIC

 

 

Standards

  • (1-ETS1-2): Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem.

Common Core Standards

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