Making music

Making an an ancient African instrument called an mbira (thumb piano), is a great way for year 7s to find out about maths, music, and design.

Patterns are a great way to explore the links between maths, music and visual art; the design workshop is a good place to do that exploring. Maths provides rules for patterns called transformations - rotation, reflection and translation. Patterns can be found from the invisibly small levels (like DNA) to mindbogglingly huge levels (like the Milky Way). Music, like maths, depends on patterns, which are transmitted through the air as vibrations. Good vibrations though, need good tool skills. Drawing is fun but learning to use drills and screwdrivers is a highlight for many students.