The Soundtrack of Australia — Yidaki

ABC Education

Science

Link to video resource: https://www.abc.net.au/education/catalyst-the-soundtrack-of-australia-yidaki/102689118

A didgeridoo is created from a tree that has been hollowed out by termites.

This gives the instrument its unique timbre, or character. The different frequencies of sound produced by a didgeridoo can be captured visually to show the “textures” within the different notes.

YEARS:  5–6, 7–8, 9–10

Things to think about

  1. What is the origin of the word “didgeridoo”?
  2. How does a didgeridoo create so many different sounds?
  3. What is timbre, and how is it created?

Acknowledgements

Written by Anam Javed and Lorena Pellone-Gismondi.

Thanks to Claire Brown and the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership.

Teachers Click Here

Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.