Grade 6: The Sounds of History

In filmmaking, when sounds cannot be properly captured on camera, such as footsteps on gravel, individuals called “Foley artists” recreate them in a special studio using sensitive microphones and various props. Mr. Masters wanted to apply this kind of creative thinking to one of his units, and Buddhism was the best fit. “Buddhism just seemed like the topic that had the most interesting noises,” Mr. Masters said. While his students were learning about the life of the Buddha, Mr. Masters encouraged them to think about what parts of the history could be turned into interesting sounds, which kept them connected to the purpose of the assignment and motivated them to take detailed notes throughout class. “There’s a really big value in taking notes and paying attention, but taking notes just to take notes is a drag,” Mr. Masters said. “The Foley part was the hook.”

 

The students loved the project. They could be found tapping old CDs on the concrete to mimic horse hooves, or in classrooms splashing their fingers in bowls full of water to sound like streams and rainfall. Two students even created the sound of an arrow hitting its target by swinging a lacrosse stick above a recording iPad and then throwing a deflated volleyball against the ground. Mr. Masters loved the project, too, because it gave the students a lot of room to explore. “They know they can take as many risks as they want; they can do as many crazy things as possible,” he said. “You don’t see anybody sitting still.” Projects that help students get excited about their lessons are what make Graland so special. “This might not work everywhere,” Mr. Masters said, “but I’m really glad it works here.”