How can we use straws to create different sounds?

Materials:

• Plastic straws

• Scissors (teacher use or supervised)

• Markers or crayons (optional for decorating)

• Other materials : colored tape / washi tape, stickers, googly eyes(optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the materials—give each child several straws.

2. Cut the straws into different lengths (short, medium, and long).

3. Arrange the straws in order from shortest to longest, like a staircase.

4. Invite children to arrange the straws by:

• Length pattern (short–long–short–long)

• Color pattern (red–blue–red–blue)

5. Place the tape horizontally across all the straws, around the middle area or slightly below the top.

6. Make sure the tops remain open and even.

7. Demonstrate how to blow:

- Blow over the top edge, not into the straw

- “Blow like you are blowing hot soup”

8. Let children explore the sounds.

9. Encourage them to listen and compare sounds.

10. Introduce the instrument: Straw Pan Flute.

Powerful InterACTions PK3

1. What pattern did you make? (short–long or colors)

2. Can you repeat your pattern?

3. Which straw is short and which is long?

4. What sound do you hear? Is it loud or soft?

5. Can you compare two straws? Which is longer?

6. What instrument did you create?

Powerful InterACTions PK4

1. What pattern did you create with your straws?

2. Can you make a different pattern?

3. How are the sounds different (high or low)?

4. Can you compare the sounds from short and long straws?

5. What happens if you change the order of the straws?

6. What instrument did you create?