Study the history of the guitar. Find images of primitive guitars to examine from Ancient Egypt to the Renaissance and into modern designs. Look for mentions of the instrument in stories and selected pieces from literature. Research the various changes guitars have undergone over the years. With the students, compile facts about the guitar. Have them create their own study sheets, crossword puzzles and word finds with the information. Write short stories using some of the information discovered through research.
Encourage kids to bring in household items that they can recycle into guitars. Go through the different parts of a guitar and explain what each section is designed to do. Let the kids determine the shape of the body and neck of their guitar, strings and frets. Split the class into small groups so they can bounce ideas off each other and work on creating a custom guitar that makes sound.
Perform experiments on guitars in class. Record the changes in pitch when a guitar is very cold, or very warm. Make hypothesis regarding the different variables. Do experiments on how long a guitar stays tuned. Use different sized strings and a variety of guitar picks made from different materials. Run experiments on homemade guitars made from recycled materials, or authentic acoustic or electric guitars.
Incorporate history, music, art and design into a papier mache project. Show students a variety of different guitars from history, both acoustic and electric versions. Have students sketch out an original design. Construct the basic shape of their guitars from newspaper by tightly folding, twisting and then taping. Add pieces of cardboard to create the body of and any details the students desire. Add two or three layers of papier mache, let dry and paint. Add strings and a guitar strap for decorative features.