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South American Rainsticks

South American Rainsticks

Listen to the rain indoors! Create a replica of a traditional South American rainstick.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Recycled Cardboard Tube
  • Rice
  • Rubber Band(s)
  • Wax Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    The rainstick is believed to have been invented by the Mapuche, a group of indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina. A hollowed-out stalk of cactus was traditionally filled with pebbles, rice, dried beans, or other small, hard materials that when shaken make a sound reminiscent of falling rain. It was believed that this sound could bring on the rain. Students will research images of traditional rainsticks online. Discuss the tradition - in South America and elsewhere - of using sounds and dance to induce rainfall.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a rainstick. They can decorate a recycled paper towel tube and seal off one end with waxed paper or another flexible material that would form a cap. Next they can add seeds, uncooked rice, or other small, hard materials. Have them test the sound by covering the open end with their hand and shaking it a bit. Continue to fill if desired or seal the second end when they are happy with the sound.

  • Step 3

    Have the students shake their rainsticks in unison and enjoy the sounds of rain.

Standards

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture.

SS: People, Places, and Environments: Understand various perspectives and examine changes in relationship between peoples, places, and environments.

Adaptations

South America has given rise to many world wide practices. Have students learn about some of these, such as the tango, an Argentinian dance; Cumbia music from Columbia; ceviche, a dish that originated in Peru; and others.

The rainstick is a type of idiophone - an instrument that produces sound through the vibration of the instrument itself. Have students find other examples and descriptions of idiophones, such as chimes, cymbals, bells, marimba, tambourine, and many others.