One approach to making colonial drums as a class project is to have students create models. This method is appropriate for younger students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It involves stretching acetate cloth over the top on an empty coffee can. Students also paint the can or cover and decorate it with construction paper. They may use chopsticks as drum sticks when they are finished. Placed on books shelves, the drums will make a nice classroom display and also work as a home school project.
High school students may enjoy crafting functional drums. However, this process can be challenging and will most likely require collaboration between traditional teachers and shop instructors, who have access to the proper materials and safety devices, such as face masks. It involves creating a wooden shell, covering the shell and attaching it to a head. As of 2011, many drums created using this approach are wrapped in metal. However, to remain as authentic as possible, students should prepare a wrap from wood and ropes for their colonial drums.
Class projects function best when all students feel actively engaged and confident that they are capable of completing the task assigned. Teachers may ensure that all students will be actively engaged in the colonial drum project by allowing them to work in groups. One student can be responsible for securing materials, another for dictating instructions and another for quality control. A fourth student may complete the bulk of the physical labor, or all students may take turns. To aid in quality control, teachers should provide photographs of colonial drums to serve as a guide.
If creating functional drums in a shop environment, safety plays a major role. Students may be using saws and drills and will be exposed to wood and metal particulates which can present breathing hazards. Students must wear protective gear at all times and may need to sign a waiver before participating in the project. Younger students completing models should be aware of safety concerns as well. They will be using scissors and glue to complete this project. Students should be closely supervised to make sure they are keeping the glue out of their mouths and using scissors for cutting paper only.