Make Maracas

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Make a rattle-like musical instrument! Shake it, hit it, spin it any way you want to! Maracas are instruments used in South America, North America, and Africa, and are usually made with dried gourds and seeds. This activity gives you a material list and step by step instructions on how to make maracas.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup Elmer's glue
  • strips of paper
  • small round balloons
  • wooden dowel rods
  • masking tape
  • beads
  • paint, glitter, ribbon and other decorations

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Sound

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Music
  • Physical Activity
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Funding Sources:

  • Harman International
  • NEC Foundation of America
  • National Science Foundation
  • The Schubert Club