Which Drumstick Makes the Best Sound? A Preschool STEAM Activity

You can integrate STEAM into many different play opportunities, including music-themed activities. In this post, children experiment with different materials that can be used as drumsticks to see which ones will be included with the drums in the band!

Kids can make music with simple movements and everyday materials. Making music can be as easy as ringing bells, shaking tambourines, and tapping on homemade drums.

This STEAM activity explores the sounds made by tapping on a drum with different materials.

Materials:

• pencils

• cardboard strips

• chenille stems

• straws

ASK: What can we use as drumsticks for our drum? Which drumsticks will give the best sound?

HYPOTHESIS: The hardest material used for drumsticks will provide the loudest and clearest sound.

EXPERIMENT:

• Provide a variety of materials with relatively similar lengths. Options may include straws, cardboard strips, chenille stems, and pencils.
• To extend creative art in this activity, color or decorate the cardboard drumsticks with markers or stickers.
• Tap on a drum (even a homemade drum will work for this experiment!)

OBSERVE: Is one drumstick louder than the others? Which material will stand up to a lot of drumming? Do you have a favorite pair or drumsticks? Which drumsticks will make it into the band?

How STEAM is integrated into this activity:

Science: various materials as options for drumsticks

Technology: drumming on a drum

Engineering: designing lengths and weights of drumsticks

Art: different colors and textures used for drumsticks; decorating cardboard drumsticks

Math: observing length and weight of drumsticks

A simple experiment with drumsticks is fun for kids and not only incorporates STEAM principles but promotes music appreciation and sensory play!

About the author: Heather is a former preschool teacher and founder of preschooltoolkit.com, a website providing early learning resources for teachers and parents. She focuses on creating fun crafts and activities that engage developmental skills while promoting hands-on learning through play. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Linkedin.