Chu 2019

Unit: Elements of Music Duration: Grade: 4, 5, 6

Culminating Task Assessment and Evaluation

Students will learn about the elements of music and demonstrate each
element of music using their recorders, non-pitched percussion and or Orff
instruments in small groups.
Students will create a short 4 bar composition using recorders, non-pitched
percussion and or Orff instruments that demonstrates the elements of music
learned in class. Students will then perform the composition for the class
accompanied with a short verbal excerpt on how the elements of music
apply to their composition.
For Learning
Teacher will be observing and interacting with students during tasks and
activities to gauge levels of understanding.
As Learning
Students will be working in groups and giving each other feedback for
understanding of the lessons.
Of Learning
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music on
their recorders and or Orff instruments in small groups

Overall Expectations Guiding Questions

● C1. Creating and Performing ● What are some words we can use to describe music?
● C2. Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing ● Can the elements of music be applied to music from different
● C3. Exploring Forms and Cultural Contexts cultures?
● How are the elements of music used in mainstream music?

Overview What are students expected to How will we know they are How will we help them learn?
learn? learning?

What do you want them to know in the end? Learning Goals Evidence or Proof Instructional Notes
How does each lesson affect that? (Know, Do, Articulate) (Observation, Conversation, Product) (Minds On, Action, Consolidation)

Lesson 1 (1 day) Students are expected to learn
Introducing the Elements of Music and about the elements of music and
their definitions its purpose in Western Music.
Show examples of the elements of
music involving the students.
Duration:
Form:
Pitch:
Dynamics:
Students will be able to
demonstrate their knowledge on
what the elements of music are
through discussion as a large
group as well as in small groups
through a graffiti walk
MO: Students will discuss with elbow
partners what they think the elements of
music are.
A: Students will popcorn ideas to create a
word web as a class describing the
elements of music we will be discussing.
C: Students will utilize the ideas
popcorned to confirm their understanding
of the elements of music.
Chu 2019
Lesson 2 (2 day)
Exploring Elements of Music
● Duration
● Form
Lesson 3 (2 day)
Exploring Elements of Music
● Pitch
Lesson 4 (1 day)
Exploring Elements of Music
● Dynamics
Students will explore Duration,
Form, and Dynamics using non-
pitched percussive devices.
Duration
Students will explore rhythms that
contain half, quarter, and eighth
notes, as well as half and quarter
rests.
Form
Students will explore form through
organizing rhythms created during
duration activities. (ABBA, ABAB,
ABBC, ABAC)
Students will explore Pitch and
Harmony using Orff instruments,
boom whackers, or recorders.
Pitch
Students will learn about the
correlation of pitch to the staff in
treble clef and bass clef. The
higher the pitch the higher the
note is on the staff.
Students will also have the
opportunity to create their own
composition using pitches they
know on the recorder (BAGE
Students will learn about the
different terms used to describe
dynamics. Students will be
exploring dynamics through
Students will be able to create
their own rhythmic compositions
using half, quarter, and eighth
notes, as well as half and
quarter rests. Students will be
able to arrange their
compositions into a form of their
choice.
Students will each be able to
identify if a pitch is high or low in
relation to the location of the
note on the staff.
Students will also be able to
identify using the correct terms,
the different dynamics and
articulations in music they have
MO: Review the definition of duration,
form, and dynamics with the class.
Include short examples that allow active
learning
A: Students will be placed in pairs to
explore duration using non-pitched
percussive devices.
Students will then be placed in groups of
4 to combine their rhythms to create a
form.
C: Students will present their rhythms as
a group to the class while the class
guesses the form they used.
MO: Review definition of pitch. Review
notes B,A,G,E on the recorder. Introduce
pitch like a staircase. Group exercise
using cello as an example of how the
higher the pitch, the higher it is in the
staff. Students will be able to “play
conductor” and control the pitch for the
class to follow.
A: Students are to form groups of 4 and
work to read simple melodies and create
one of their own.
C: Students will play a melody as a group
for the class.
MO: Review the definition of dynamics
and articulations as well as terms. Come
up with hand signals with the class to
signify the different articulations. As a
Chu 2019
Lesson 5 (3 day)
Reviewing Elements of Music
Preparation on 4 bar composition
(1 day to explain and start working on
composition, 2 day to work on
composition)
Culminating Task (2 days)
Presentations of composition
listening examples and
Dynamics
Students will explore dynamics
(loud and soft) and articulations
(staccato, legato, accents)
encountered in music.
Students will review the 7
elements of music as a group and
will be given time to work on the 4
bar composition.
Students will present their 4 bar
compositions that demonstrate
their knowledge of the elements of
music.
listened to as well as able to
demonstrate the different
dynamics and articulations.
Students will be able to
successfully apply each of the
elements of music to a 4 bar
composition. Students will also
be performing the composition
to demonstrate the application
of the elements of music.
Students will be able to
demonstrate their understanding
of the elements of music
through their composition and
performance.
class, conduct the dynamics using a
vertical motion. Add articulations when
comfortable with the dynamics.
A: Students will form groups of 4 or 5 and
explore different articulations and
dynamics in smaller groups.
C: Students will demonstrate their
dynamics and articulations as a group to
the class.
MO: Review the Elements of Music with
students giving examples of each
element. With the class, create an
example of a 4 bar composition using the
different elements of music to ensure
success and understanding of the
culminating activity.
A: Students will work on composing a 4
bar composition, utilizing each element of
music learned. Students will also be
working towards performing their
composition.
C: Through working in groups, students
will be constantly reviewing and following
the elements of music to complete their
composition.
MO: Students will be given 15 minutes at
the beginning of class to practice their
compositions with their group.
A: Students will be performing their
composition to the class.
C: Students will be able to listen to the
performances and be able to distinguish
the different elements of music.