Didgeridoos From Down Under

Australia's Aboriginal people invented the didgeridoo. Make this musical instrument with recycled materials. Now you can play a didgeridoo, too!

• 1.

  Find information about Australia's Aboriginal people. Learn about their art, use of symbols and designs, and music. Find out how and why they originally constructed the didgeridoo, a musical instrument with a unique sound. Listen to recordings or find someone in your community who plays the instrument. Invite them to perform for your class. You'll find out what size didgeridoos are.

• 2.

  Make your own small replica of a didgeridoo with a long cardboard wrapping-paper roll, or tape two to three cardboard tubes together. Cut construction paper to cover, and attach with Crayola® School Glue.

• 3.

  Decorate your didgeridoo in bright colors and authentic Aboriginal patterns made with Crayola Washable Markers.

• 4.

  If you wish, glue ribbon, string, or yarn to your didgeridoo. Glue feathers or beads to the ends. Dry. How well can you imitate the sound of a real didgeridoo?

Benefits

• Children research the unique culture and history of Australian Aboriginal peoples.
• Students learn about Aboriginal didgeridoos, musical instruments made from long trunks or branches of trees hollowed out by termites.
• Children construct one of the oldest wind instruments known, using recycled materials, and try to duplicate didgeridoo sounds with it.

Adaptations

• With younger children and those with special needs, ensure that this experience is as hands-on as possible. Find photographs, listen to recordings or performances, and point out the both historical and contemporary peoples in Australia.
• Research the history and current status of the Aboriginal peoples. Discover other important elements of their unique culture.
• Compare other wind instruments to discover similarities and differences with the didgeridoo. What creates the sound in each?
• Research and make replicas of other ancient musical instruments such as the rain stick.