An Interdisciplinary Approach to Teach Geoscience

Music is the central theme of the interdisciplinary approach presented in this chapter. The interdisciplinary approach of this teaching proposal focuses on using the construction of a lithophone (from Greek lithos = stone), a percussion instrument with rock plates, for teaching geoscience. Lithophones are similar to the more common xylophones, but with unique musical characteristics which reflect their peculiar design. The main aims of this chapter focus on how to build a lithophone in order to use it as education tool and as an appealing educational resource. When designing a lithophone, the teacher and his/her students should characterize the chosen lithotype (rock type) and the relationship between the length of the plates and the vibration frequency in order to select the musical notes. When the lithophone has been constructed, the teacher should use the sound of the rock plates as a tool to discuss the elastic characteristic of materials. The amazing results obtained through this interdisciplinary approach illustrate the importance of this educational resource in teaching and disseminating geosciences.