Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 4, “Math & Music” (7th-8th)
Today in class, we explored the topic of patterns and how they show up all around us. We started by discussing different types of patterns we see in nature, art, and everyday life. It was exciting to realize that patterns aren’t just in math but are everywhere, like in the leaves on trees, the stripes on animals, and even the shapes of buildings. This got us thinking about how patterns help us understand and organize the world.
We learned about tessellations (which are patterns made by repeating shapes that fit together perfectly without any gaps or overlaps). Tessellations are often seen in tile designs and mosaics. We talked about famous artists like M.C. Escher, who used tessellations in his artwork to create mind-bending images. After learning what tessellations are, we had fun creating our own tessellations using foam shapes, making sure they repeated in a way that covered the whole plane seamlessly. We even made our own tessellations spanning the entirety of a piece of construction paper! Some students brought these home to you today, but I will be sure to send the rest home tomorrow.
Our discussion then shifted to patterns in music. We explored how songs often have repeating patterns in the rhythm, melody, and lyrics. For example, the chorus in a song usually repeats several times, creating a familiar pattern that listeners can recognize and enjoy. We also talked about beats and how musicians keep steady patterns that help hold the music together. It was interesting to think about how these musical patterns make songs catchy and easy to follow.
This idea was tied together with our afternoon task! Our very own Mr. Sam is studying to be a singer/songwriter and has written a few songs of his own. Unfortunately, he hit a writer’s block this week. BUT… your brilliant students helped him through it! We sat down and worked in groups to write a second verse for him. Some truly beautiful words and stunning imagery emerged! Tonight, Mr. Sam is going to review student lyrics, fit them into his song, and perform the chosen lyrics tomorrow! These lyrics will even go into the song that Mr. Sam RELEASES! Seems pretty cool to have your students get a writing credit at such a young age! Mr. Sam also helped us through a listening game where he played some chord progressions or songs, and we had to guess the key! Your students truly have a great ear for music!
To bring that idea or music coming from all around us to life, we watched videos of the Blue Man Group and STOMP!, where performers create music using all sorts of everyday objects. It was amazing to see how music can come from just about anything around us. I have linked the videos we watched below:
We leaned into the world of percussion, learning how musicians keep rhythm through pulsing and internal beats. Everyone received their own drumsticks, which we taped up just like real percussionists do to protect both their hands and the sticks. The kids had a great time experimenting with their own patterns and letting their creativity shine
We were super excited to make our own songs with the instruments we have available! Our compositions are really coming together, and I think the students are incredibly excited to get to execute and perform them tomorrow!
~ Ms. Kendall
P.S. – I would love to list the songs we listened to today, but it was mostly Mr. Sam’s unreleased work! Keep an eye out for this star on the rise!