Project 1

Project - Halloween Soundscape

Resource Type:

Project

Duration:

1-hour

Outcomes:

Learners are expected to:

SO 2.1.            create a new Audacity project

SO 2.3.            save an Audacity project

SO 2.8.            export an Audacity project as an MP3 file

SO 2.9.            demonstrate an understanding of the difference between an Audacity project and an audio file, such as an MP3 or WAV file

SO 2.11.          edit an audio file's meta data

SO 2.12.          find and download sound samples from the Internet

SO 3.1.            identify and use the Audacity transport controls for Play, Record and Stop

SO 3.2.            perform a basic record function

SO 3.3.            create a multitrack audio recording

SO 3.4.            resize an audio track

SO 3.5.            adjust the input levels in Audacity

SO 3.6.            use the Zoom tools

SO 3.7.            demonstrate how to use the Selection Tool

SO 3.8.            delete an entire audio track

SO 3.9.            use the Time Shift tool to effectively edit sound

SO 4.2.            adjust the volume level of an individual track using the gain slider

SO 4.3.            analyze the volume level of a sound and make appropriate adjustments

SO 4.4.            demonstrate how to Copy, Cut and Paste audio in Audacity

SO 4.5.            demonstrate how to use the Undo and History functions

SO 4.6.            analyze the synchronization of multiple tracks and make appropriate adjustments

SO 5.11.          recognize that Audacity can be used as a means to produce deliver a theatrical work

Suggested Evaluation:

Create a Halloween Soundscape is a very open ended project. With respect to Bloom’s Taxonomy, this project engages students in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and creative thought. Students should be encouraged to think critically of ways to use Audacity in the production of their soundscapes.

A simple rubric can be used to evaluate students’ achievement of the specific curriculum outcomes for this activity. Some outcomes can be evaluated when reviewing students’ submitted MP3’s. Outcomes such as SO’s 2.3, 2.9, 3.1, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, and 4.5 can be evaluated by observing and dialoging with students as they work on the project.

Below is a suggested rubric to assist with your evaluation:

Incomplete                 0
Unsatisfactory           1
Satisfactory                2
Exceptional                3

OUTCOMES	EVALUATION
SO 2.1
SO 2.8
SO 2.11
SO 2.12
SO 3.2
SO 3.3
SO 3.5
SO 3.9
SO 4.2
SO 4.3
SO 4.6
SO 5.11

Procedure:

This project is a lot of fun. You will make a soundscape recording to use during Halloween. A Halloween soundscape is a long recording of spooky sounds that can be played in the background during a Halloween event, such as a party or trick-or-treating.

Think about what you would like your soundscape to sound like. You could have a stormy theme with several layers (tracks) of sound with perhaps a wind layer, some thunder, some screams. Perhaps you could have a cavern theme with drips of water, bat squeaks, rat scratching, and screams. Be creative and come up with something very spooky.

The first thing you need to do is collect your sounds. You have two options for getting spooky sound effects: you can make them yourself or you can download them from the Internet. Making sounds yourself is always a lot of fun. You can record your self laughing then make it spooky by slowing it down with Change Tempo, lowering the pitch with Change Pitch and adding some Echo. There are many sounds you can make your self – be creative.

It is also fun to download some sound samples from the Internet as well. There are MANY websites offering free spooky sound samples. Go to your favorite search engine and do some searches for keywords like ‘Halloween sound samples.’ Most sites will offer samples in two formats: WAV and MP3. If you do not know the difference between these two file formats then you need to watch the tutorial on WAV and MP3 file in this series. It is recommended that you use WAV file as they will provide better sound quality for your soundscape. Download the samples you like to your computer and build a Halloween soundscape.

Your soundscape needs to be at least 4 minutes in length and use at least 20 sound samples.

When you are done you need to export you soundscape as an MP3 file. Name your MP3 “halloween soundscape your name.MP3.” Be sure to fill out your MP3’s Metadata. Save your soundscape in a safe place and forward it to your instructor for evaluation.