Unit Overview

Students use their understanding of sound to engineer a system for representing bird calls.

  • Grades 1–5 (Designed for grades 3–5; includes modifications for grades 1–2.)
  • Setting: In school
  • Science connection: Sound
  • 5 lessons (9–10 class sessions)

Standards alignment

We’ve developed each EiE unit with careful attention to educational standards in both science and technology/engineering. View Standards Alignments.

Unit Map

Students are introduced to the concepts of engineering and technology. (30–40 min.)

The class reads a storybook in which a boy named Kwame living in Ghana explores the field of Acoustical Engineering in order to communicate his drumming rhythms visually to his cousin Kofi. (90–120 min., 2–3 sessions)

Students investigate different ways to damp, or quiet, sound. (50–55 min.)

Students explore the role acoustical engineers play in designing ways to visualize sound. (80–90 min., 2 sessions)

Students follow the steps of the Engineering Design Process to imagine, plan, create, test, and then improve their own systems for representing animal sounds. (165–180 min., 3 sessions)

Videos

View all unit videos on YouTube

Sample Getting Started Video

Sample Classroom Video

What's Included?

  • Teacher Guide (PDF)
  • Illustrated Story (PDF)
  • Print Materials (PDF)
  • Additional Resources