Little STEAMers: Sounds of the Sea

From waves and seabirds to ship horns and instruments, children explore how sounds can be created, changed and combined to make their own seaside soundscape, with connections to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Band Service.

Starting with a mystery bag filled with intriguing objects linked to sound, boats and the seaside, children will look closely, listen carefully and share their ideas about what they might be and how they could make a sound. A lively warm-up gets everyone moving and experimenting with sounds made using their voices and bodies, before a story brings the theme to life.

Children will explore a range of instruments and sound-making objects, discovering what happens when they are tapped, shaken, scraped or plucked. They’ll investigate vibrations by watching and feeling what happens when selected instruments are played, helping them begin to understand the science behind sound.

Then it’s time to create their own seaside soundscape! Can they make the sound of rolling waves, splashing water or seabirds? What about the horn of a ship or the creaking and clanking of a busy vessel? Children can experiment with making sounds louder, quieter, faster, slower, higher and lower.

Along the way, we’ll discover how music and sound have an important place in the Royal Navy, including through the Royal Marines Band Service.

With a mystery bag, warm-up, story and song alongside the practical activities, Sounds of the Sea encourages children to listen, investigate, create and perform together.

This session is designed for children aged 3–5 and must be accompanied by an adult.

Session 1: 10.45am – 11.45am
Session 2: 12.30pm – 1.30pm
Location: Royal Marine Experience (Mezzanine)

This event is included in general admission, but spaces are limited to 12 children per session, so please book in advance using the link below:

BOOK YOUR SESSION

This event is made possible with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.