Sensor Sounds, Part 2: Playing Taps With a Compass
From OK Go Sandbox · 2020
1 min3rd4th5th6thTechnology
Summary
A short demo from the Sensor Sounds set: using a device's compass (which senses direction) to play the tune 'Taps.' A tiny, concrete example of turning sensor data into music.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
A compass senses direction — here it becomes a way to play a song.
- What does a compass measure?
- How could different directions stand for different notes?
- What other sensor could you turn into an instrument?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: compass, direction, sensor, map.
Try it: Face four directions (N, E, S, W) and give each one a note. 'Play' a short tune by turning to each direction in order.