DRUMQUEST

Introduction

Introduction|Task|Process

Evaluation|Conclusion|Teacher notes

The drum is one of the oldest instruments in use today.  Although drums have changed a great deal in appearance over time, their use throughout history has remained constant.  This webquest is designed to introduce you to drums.  Through the completion of the different parts of the webquest task you will gain an understanding of how drums have been used by different cultures over time.  This webquest also provides information on how drums are made and how they are played.  You need to be in groups of three for this webquest.

Task

Introduction|Task|Process

Evaluation|Conclusion|Teacher notes

There are three parts to this task.  There are three main questions you need to answer.  Firstly, "What is the basic history of drums?".  Secondly, "Do you enjoy making drums?" and finally: "Do you enjoy playing drums" Firstly, your group will research the history of the drum itself and the evolution of the drum kit.  This will involve student 1 making a time line of important dates relating to drums and drumkits.  Student 2 will pretend to be a drummer and will write a dairy entry of a paragraph explaining what country they are from, the time period they live in, and what  type of drum(s) and equipment they use.  Student 2 can choose the time period and country they want their drummer to be from.  Student 3 will draw a small drawing of a basic drum kit and will label the drums and cymbals.  After doing this, you will each make a different drum, before studying how to play it and composing a short musical piece (about 30 seconds) of drumming to be performed as a group.

Process

Introduction|Task|Process

Evaluation|Conclusion|Teacher notes

Part A:

Step 1                                

        Student 1: Click on the numbers to the left to get information with which to make a time line of important dates relating to drumming.

Student 2: You are a drummer.  Click on the numbers to the left and go to informative sites relating to drums.  Based on information on these sites, write a short dairy entry (about a paragraph) explaining what country you are from, the time period you live in, and what type of drum(s) and equipment you use. You can choose the time period and country you want to be from as long as you can find enough information to support your choice. 

Student 3: Draw a drum kit and label the different drums and cymbals.  Click on the numbers to the left for great sites about drum kits.

 Part B:

Step 1:

         Use the links to the left to choose a drum each to make.  Try to choose different drums or if two in the group have to make the same drum at least make them different sizes.

Step 2:

Get the appropriate materials from your teacher and construct your drums

Part C:

Get together again and compose a short musical piece (about 30 seconds) of drumming to be performed as a group to the rest of the class.  Click on the number to the left for some hints on how to hold drum sticks or hit the drums with hands.

Web Resources:

http://encarta.ninemsn.com.au/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761570843&hs=drums#s2

http://www.musicpages.com.au/perchist.htm

http://users.senet.com.au/~jimmc/main/infokit.htm2

http://www.drumtek.com.au/html/century.html

http://www.kidsware.com/index.shtml

http://www.thedrumclub.com/WORLD/CONGA/CONGALES1/CONGALES2A.HTM

http://www.thedrumclub.com/LESSONS/LESINTRO.HTM                            

http://www.mudcat.org/kids/

http://www.kinderart.com/multic/cofdrum.shtml

http://www.kinderart.com/multic/dumbek.shtml

Evaluation

Introduction|Task|Process

Evaluation|Conclusion|Teacher notes

Part A:

Student 1:

Presentation of time line.

Number of significant points on time line.

Student 2:

The amount and type of information which is used in the diary entry.

Student 3:

The degree to which the different drums and cymbals are identifiable in the picture.

The degree to which the different drums and cymbals are labelled correctly.

Part B:

The sound of the drum

The durability of the drum

The decoration of the drum

Part C:

The degree to which the music involves different rythmic parts.

The variety of instruments used

The performance itself:  Whether or not the students play as a group in time.

        Conclusion

Introduction|Task|Process

Evaluation|Conclusion|Teacher notes

At the start of this webquest three main questions were posed which you should have thought about throughout this webquest.  You should be able to describe a basic history of drums and their importance to music.  Similarly, you should consider which apsects of making and playing the drums you enjoyed the most and which aspects you enjoyed least.

Student 1:

1 2 3 4

Student 2:

1 2 3 4

Student 3:

1 2 3 

1 2 3  

1 2