Make a Sound Machine that can play a rhythm, music or just noise!
![Maker – Make a Sound Machine Main Image](/static/lessons/make-a-sound-machine/lego-maker-sound-machine-1.jpg)
## Connect
Music is made up of a combination of sounds, notes and rhythm. A rhythm is a regular movement or repeated pattern of movements that can be used in many different ways. In mechanical machines, a rhythm can help keep a machine running smoothly. It can also be used to generate different sounds in music.
Additional materials to add to your Sound Machine:
* Small musical instruments, such as chimes, bells, and small drums
* Arts and crafts materials such as:
>* Cardboard
>* Construction paper
>* Pipe cleaners
>* Plastic or paper cups
>* Recycled materials
>* Rubber bands
>* Wire
### Prior Knowledge
This activity uses motor rotations and sensor inputs. You may want to try the [Use](/getting-started/use) or [Object Detection](/coding/object-detection) activity before this one. Or, you can start out with this activity and tinker with coding motor and sensor inputs on your own.
## Contemplate
Follow the steps of the [Maker Design Process](/lessons/classroom-management#design-process) for this lesson:
Now that you have defined a problem, start to generate ideas for solving it.
### ~hint
Some things to do while brainstorming:
* Use the bricks from the LEGO set to help you brainstorm or sketch your ideas on paper.
* The goal of brainstorming is to explore as many solutions as possible. You can use the tinkering examples in the Sample Solutions section below as inspiration for getting started.
* Share your ideas and get some feedback. It may lead to more ideas!
### ~
### Define the Design Criteria
* You should have generated a number of ideas. Now select the best one to make.
* Write out two or three specific design criteria your design must meet.