Day 58: Incredibox Lesson Plans (Material Monday)

Daily Blog Challenge Day 58/365

Material Monday

 This post could fit under both technology and lesson plans, but I decided to focus more on the lesson aspect of using Incredibox than the technology aspect.  Earlier this week, a new version of Incredibox was released.  It is an online "game" that allows you to compose using different vocal tracks.  There are a variety of different melodies, voices, effects and beats that you can combine into different compositions.  The program allows you to record and send your work to others.  While recording, you can change and add different voices, so the possibilities are endless when it comes to combinations.

I decided to take my third and fourth graders to the lab this week so they could compose using this program.  We used it a little as a class last year and they were really excited to try it themselves.  We just finished Halloween Music (we performed a mini concert at our Halloween Parade) and we will be starting Christmas Music for our concert next week, so this was a great transition point.  Illinois is going to an all internet standards test next year, so this program also offers students the opportunity to learn valuable computer skills.

Lesson Plan (we spent a whole 40 minute period in the lab.)
1. Open a web browser and go to the Incredibox site.
2. Explore different voice and combinations.
3. Record a composition.
4. Name the composition.
5. Send composition to Mrs. Wren's e-mail.

Music Outcomes
1.  Explore different voices.
2.  Compose music.
3.  Listen to other compositions.
4  Compose a "final" project.

Technology Outcomes
1. Open a web browser.
2. Record a composition.
3. Label composer and title of my composition.
4. E-mail Mrs. Wren my composition (this required reading/following directions and typing in an e-mail with no mistakes.)

Being in the computer lab with a class was a bit stressful, but overall it was a valuable experience.  It reminded me the importance of patience and my students really enjoyed the project.  I am planning on doing this project again with this grades, but we will focus more on form.

I would love to hear how you use Incredibox in your classroom.