Axel visited the exhibition “TURN IT UP: the power of music” at the Science Museum. He interacted with the musical playground, played with beats and melodies, made music. He explored how music shapes our lives, reflected on questions such as why does music have such a hold over us? What is it about music that drives us to create, perform, feel, connect with others?

Art

• Axel learned about the visual representation of music through the exhibition. He observed how different artists used colors, shapes, and lines to depict musical ideas.
• He explored the connection between art and music, understanding how artists can be inspired by music to create visually expressive pieces.
• Axel also engaged in hands-on activities that involved creating his own artwork inspired by music.
• He learned to appreciate the relationship between art and music, and how they can enhance and complement each other.

English Language Arts

• Axel reflected on the power of music and its impact on our emotions and experiences.
• He engaged in discussions and wrote about his thoughts on why music has such a hold over us and what drives us to connect with others through music.
• Axel explored the use of descriptive language to express the feelings and emotions evoked by different types of music.
• He also practiced listening skills by analyzing and interpreting song lyrics with deeper meanings.

History

• Axel learned about the historical significance of music and its role in different cultures and societies throughout time.
• He discovered how music has been used as a form of expression, communication, and storytelling across various historical periods.
• Axel explored the evolution of musical instruments and genres, gaining an understanding of how music has changed over time.
• He also learned about influential musicians and their impact on shaping the history of music.

Math

• Axel utilized mathematical concepts while playing with beats and melodies on the musical playground.
• He experimented with rhythm patterns, counting beats, and exploring mathematical relationships within music.
• Axel also learned about musical notation and how it represents the duration and timing of musical sounds.
• He applied mathematical thinking to understand the structure and organization of musical compositions.

Music

• Axel actively engaged in making music at the exhibition's musical playground.
• He explored different instruments, experimented with sound combinations, and created melodies and rhythms.
• Axel gained a deeper understanding of the elements of music, such as pitch, tempo, dynamics, and timbre.
• He learned to listen critically to music, identifying different instruments and recognizing various musical styles.

Physical Education

• Axel participated in physical activities at the musical playground, which involved movement and coordination.
• He danced to the rhythm of the music, enhancing his motor skills and body awareness.
• Axel engaged in active play, experiencing the physical benefits of music-related activities.
• He learned to express himself physically through music, exploring different ways to move and respond to the beats.

Science

• Axel explored the science behind sound and music, understanding how vibrations create sound waves.
• He learned about different musical instruments and how they produce sound through various mechanisms.
• Axel discovered the relationship between pitch, frequency, and the length and thickness of vibrating objects.
• He also learned about acoustics and how sound travels through different mediums.

Social Studies

• Axel learned about the cultural and social significance of music across different communities and societies.
• He explored how music can bring people together, transcending language and cultural barriers.
• Axel gained an appreciation for the diversity of musical traditions and the role they play in shaping identities and fostering connections.
• He also learned about the influence of music on social movements and its ability to convey messages of protest and unity.

To further develop Axel's understanding of the power of music, encourage him to explore different genres and styles of music from various cultures. He can experiment with creating his own compositions using different instruments or digital music production tools. Encourage him to attend live music performances or participate in community music programs to experience the transformative power of music firsthand. Additionally, Axel can explore the history of iconic musicians and their contributions to the world of music.

Book Recommendations

• by Elizabeth Rusch: This book tells the story of Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano, and explores the transformative power of music and innovation. (Subject: Music, History)
• Music Is...: A Book of Questions and Answers for Kids by Judith Pinkerton Josephson: This interactive book answers various questions about music, including why it affects our moods and why people have different musical tastes. (Subject: Music)
• Music: The Definitive Visual History by DK Publishing: This visually stunning book provides a comprehensive overview of the history of music, from ancient times to modern-day, covering various genres and influential musicians. (Subject: Music, History)