Concept Maps

I chose to make a concept map to show different families of musical instruments with representative examples for each. This relates to the grade four learning outcome that students must know that “musical instruments have distinctive tonal qualities and may be grouped according to families” (found in the elementary music program of studies under the concept of expression). I can envision this concept map being used in two different ways. The basis of these activities would be that students have learnt instrument names, which families they belong to and characteristics of both the instruments and families. In addition to both activities, students could have to present to the class about instrument families (or any variation on that).

1. As a teacher prepared activity: The concept map would have the family names left blank and the students would have to fill in the names (ex. strings, woodwinds, etc.) They could also be required to name instruments under each family. This would be a good activity to assess if students could label instrument and their family names.

ICT Outcomes: none

2. As an interactive student activity: The concept map would be complete except for the instrument in each family. In the computer lab (or on a SmartBoard) students would have to place the instruments into the correct family groups. This would be a good activity to assess if students could group instruments according to family.

ICT Outcomes:

C.4 - Students will use organizational processes and tools to manage inquiry.

• organize information, using such tools as a database, spreadsheet or electronic webbing
  

C.7 - Students will use electronic research techniques to construct personal knowledge and meaning.

• use a variety of technologies to organize and synthesize researched information
• use selected presentation tools to demonstrate connections among various pieces of information

P.2 - Students will organize and manipulate data.

• enter and manipulate data by using such tools as spreadsheets or databases for a specific purpose
• display data electronically through graphs and charts