Browse lesson plans

BioMusic

Two units of biomusicology instruction for grades 2–3 and 4–5. Your students will be fascinated by these lessons that cover the miracles of animal communication, the mechanics of sound, and their connections to the field of music.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

How does sound travel in different environments?

In BioMusic, page 2.7

In this lesson, students will identify mediums that sounds can travel through and use experiments to discover how each medium affects sound. By listening to recordings and viewing sound spectrograms, they will learn about whale song and how these animals transmit sound through water (liquid).

Format: lesson plan (grade 5–6 Music Education and Science)

By Debra Hall and Crystal Patillo.

What sounds do whales use to communicate?

In BioMusic, page 2.8

In this lesson, students will listen to whale sounds. They will identify the difference between a whale song and a whale call. While using appropriate music terminology, students will also compare the similarities between whale song and human song.

Format: lesson plan (grade 4–6 Music Education)

By Debra Hall and Crystal Patillo.

Wonderful whales

Students will gain knowledge of whales: the kinds of whales, the characteristics of whales, and the habitats of whales. Math skills will be incorporated into the teaching facts about whales.

Format: lesson plan (grade K–1 Mathematics and Science)

By Robin Moss.

Resources on the web

Pilot whales' place in the ocean

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore pilot whales' sociability and bonding and consider how the National Geographic Crittercam might help scientists learn more about their social behaviors. Activities in this lesson... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 4 Science)

Provided by: Xpeditions