Brien Engel -- Glass Harp Music

Readiness Anchor Standard for Reading

R3 – Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text
(Glasses of different sizes with different frequencies interact to form melodies and harmony in a musical piece as it unfolds)

Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects

RST.6-8.3 – Follow precisely a multistep procedure when carrying out experiments, taking measurements,
or performing technical tasks. (Assess by apparent mass of a glass its general pitch, measure water needed to slow vibration, learn what kind of pressure is needed to create music on a glass by way of friction)

Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6–12

WHST.9-10.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. (Using presented examples of home-engineered musical instruments)

From the Science Education, Physical Science 6-8 Standards:

6.P.1.1 – Explain the relationship among the rate of vibration, the medium through which vibrations travel, sound and hearing. (By clear demonstration of the spring-like nature of water glasses, as with strings or drum skins or any sound source, vibrating to generate sound waves that reach the ear)

7.P.1.2 – Explain the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces acting on an object (including friction, gravity and magnets). (Via clear object lessons in the catch-release quality of friction, in this case applied as a balanced force to create a standing wave in the glass)

From the Arts Education, Music K-8 Standards:

K.ML.3, 1.ML.3, 2.ML.3 (etc) – Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources. (Showing that glasses, handsaws, bottles, and other utilitarian items can also be musical instruments).

From the Social Studies, World History Standards:

WH.2.9 – Evaluate the achievements of ancient civilizations in terms of their enduring cultural impact. (Civilizations throughout history make use of available resources found immediately in nature or with utilitarian items to make music. Glass and glassware is a very significant contribution from ancient societies. Civilizations take and re-invent things from each other, e.g. water-tuned earthen bowls in India set the stage for European water-tuned glassware.)