Sound Craft: Instrument Building for Integrated STEAM Learning (Soniphorm Sound Craft Studio, Gweedore)

Create, Build, and Bring Sound to Life!

Turn everyday materials into musical instruments and transform your teaching through hands-on STEAM learning. In this creative, high-energy course, teachers explore sound, science, and design by building instruments, experimenting with audio, and using simple digital tools—no specialist equipment needed.

Discover the physics of sound, dive into coding and 3D design, and learn practical, inclusive strategies that engage every learner. Through sound walks, collaborative challenges, and creative making, you’ll develop classroom-ready ideas that connect STEM with creativity, sustainability, and real-world learning.

Leave with your own instrument, new digital skills, and a clear plan to bring sound-based STEAM learning into your classroom.

Course Outline

1. Introduction to Sound & STEAM 

• Exploring sound as a cross-curricular learning tool
• Linking STEAM, creativity, and sustainability 

2. Sound Exploration & Inquiry 

• Sound walks and listening activities
• Investigating vibration, resonance, and materials
• Using contact microphones and simple experiments 

3. Engineering & Instrument Building 

• Applying the Engineering Design Process
• Designing, building, testing, and refining instruments
• Working with recycled and everyday materials 

4. Digital Tools & Technology 

• Audio recording and editing using browser-based tools
• Sound visualisation and creative audio work
• Introduction to 3D design and digital modelling 

5. Creative & Collaborative Learning 

• Team-based design challenges and problem-solving
• Integrating arts, storytelling, and performance
• Exploring cultural and historical aspects of sound 

6. Inclusive Teaching Approaches 

• Differentiated, open-ended learning activities
• Multi-sensory strategies to support diverse learners
• Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) 

7. Assessment & Reflection 

• Reflective journaling and peer feedback
• Observing and assessing creative and process-based learning 

8. School Self-Evaluation & Planning 

• Linking learning to SSE and school priorities
• Identifying practical classroom applications 

9. Implementation & Classroom Practice 

• Developing a plan for integrating sound-based STEAM
• Using accessible, low-cost resources in any school setting

Summer Course Booking Policy
- Lunch will be provided daily.
- Our summer courses are booked on the condition that the course fee is non-refundable.
- Unfortunately, if you wish to cancel your place on one of our courses or are unable to attend the course, we are not in a position to refund fees.
- County Donegal Education Support Centre reserves the right to cancel a Summer Course where there are not sufficient numbers to run the course.
- In the event of the Centre having to cancel your course, you will be offered an alternative course or offered a full refund.
- In line with DES Circular 0037/1997, participants attending Summer Courses accrue entitlements as follows: 

• Full Attendance (20 Hours): 3 EPV Days
• 4 Days Attendance (16 Hours): 2 EPV Days
• No EPV days will be awarded for less than 4 days attendance 

Thank you for your continued support of the County Donegal Education Support Centre. 

Closing Date for Registration is Friday 19th June 2026