4th

Topic:

Lesson #

Sound and Light: Sprk+ Coding Challenge

13

Date:__________

Standards:
S4P2. Students will demonstrate how sound is produced by vibrating objects and how sound can be varied by changing the
rate of vibration.
a. Investigate how sound is produced.
b. Recognize the conditions that cause pitch to vary.
S4P1. Students will investigate the nature of light using tools such as mirrors, lenses, and prisms.
b. Investigate the reflection of light using a mirror and a light source.
VA4PR.2 Understands and applies media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art processes (drawing, painting,
printmaking, mixed-media) using tools and materials in a safe and appropriate manner to develop skills.
h. Creates art works using available technology (e.g., computer, scanner, camera, digital/video recorder).

Essential Question:
How can I change an instrument to make it create a different pitch?
Vocabulary:
Materials:
--Sound Vocabulary Organizer
Sound vibration pitch conditions
--Various borrowed instruments
--Holiday Challenge Materials
Instruction:
1. Review Sound by playing a Holiday Light Show. Let students watch how the lights change to
the rhythm of the song. As the students watch the show, pause it then pass out diffraction
glasses. Now tell the students they will all put on the glasses at the same time. Count down
from 5, then when students turn them on play the holiday light show along with turning
flashlights on.
2. After the song is over students will discuss in pairs what happened when they put the
diffraction glasses on. After a student explains they saw a rainbow, explain how diffraction
glasses work to the class. Now tell students that today they will be creating their own Holiday
Light Show Spectacular!
STEAM Challenge: Music and Light Show Holiday Spectacular!
Today you will need to use mirrors, lights, and musical instruments to create your own holiday light
show. You will need to use Sprk+ to create your own light and sound show. Your light show will need
to be able to light up a picture of Rudolph or Santa Claus. Be sure you use your knowledge of lights
and mirrors to get the right angle. Have fun and make it spectacular!
Constraints:
You have 1 to 2 days to complete this challenge.
Each team will be given the same amount of mirrors and flashlights.
Each group will be given 2 Sprk+ to complete the challenge.
Prior to students beginning model what actions and controls the students should use while they are
coding. Be sure students understand how to make the robot speak.
Summarizer/Assessment:
Film student light shows under the
document camera and play the light and
sound shows at the end of class.

Lab Safety Precautions:

Students should be extremely careful when using glass. Encourage
students to keep them at the center of the table and to be very
aware of their surroundings when moving about the room. If any
glasses do break, students SHOULD NOT try to clean it up, but wait
for the teacher.
Classroom Teacher Connections:

Teacher Notes: