Sciences and technologies

Using the traditional instruments of Gabon as a stimulus, learners are asked to design and create their own instruments.

As a class learners could devise a list of success criteria for the instrument, for example:

• It produces sound.
• The pitch of the instrument can be varied in some way.
• Suitable materials that could be used.
• Use decorative techniques and patterns to complete the instrument.

Within their groups learners could:

• Design their instrument and include measurements.
• Construct their instrument using an agreed range of materials.
• Use a traditional pattern as a stimulus when decorating their instrument.
• Decide how the instrument could be played as part of a performance.

Learners could devise questions to help decide how effective their design is, for example:

• Does it fulfil the success criteria?
• Can it be played successfully?
• How does it resemble Gabonese instruments?
• Can the pitch of the instrument be changed?
• Could it be improved in any way?

After peer and self assessment pupils should have the opportunity to reflect and suggest improvements to their instrument/performance.