Glencoe Science Level Blue

Unit 7: Physical Interactions

Steel drums

Introduction:

Most people immediately think of tropical islands when they hear the music of a steel drum.

Steel drums produce a unique sound that is central to Caribbean music and are not simply rhythm instruments.

Task:

Read about the history of steel drums and learn when they were invented. Find out how they are made and create your own steel drum model using a metal can.

Process:

Use the web sites listed to do your research on steel drums. Obtain a coffee can or similar metal can that can be safely cleaned. Once you've cleaned the can, use a hammer to pound the bottom of the can. Try to create at least two different sized depressions. Can you make them sound different? Use different implements to tap the drum and create your own Calypso music!

Time:

1 class period for research, extra time outside class for creating the drum

Possible Resources:

History of Steel Drums

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steelpan

http://www.isu.edu/stdorg/special/csdb/history.html

http://www.lafi.org/magazine/articles/steel.html

How Steel Drums are Made

http://www.toucans.net/Toc/makePan.html

http://cnx.org/content/m12397/latest/

Steel Drum Animation

http://cnx.org/content/m12397/latest/SteelDrum.swf