Smithsonian Institution
African American Music: Let’s Sing and Play Clapping Games
Two lessons focus on making a beat. Using popular African American music of its time, scholars listen and analyze the rhythm then recreate it with hands drums, and cups.
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Composing Music
Students explore music appreciation by creating their own music pieces in class. For this music composition lesson, students collaborate in small groups with their instruments and compose a short song which they will play for class....
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Musical Sounds
Students investigate music appreciation by completing worksheets. In this musical arts lesson, students complete worksheets in which they identify different musical instruments, the sounds they make and the family of instruments they...
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Identifying Musical Instruments
First graders identify different musical instruments. In this music appreciation lesson, 1st graders discover the different groups and sounds of instruments while learning their names as well. Students write about an instrument they...
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Composing Music
Students explore music appreciation by reading sheet music. In this musical score analysis lesson, students utilize their individual instruments to play the song "Peter and the Wolf." Students listen to an online version of the song and...
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Butterflies Fly!
Chopin was a lovely composer who played the piano masterfully. Third graders are introduced to Chopin, his piano sounds, triple meter, music patterns, movement, and the waltz. They listen to his music while hearing the story Butterflies...
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Jazz Music and the Crisis Over School Desegregation
High schoolers will learn to appreciate the civil rights movement with a focus on Little Rock, Arkansas. They will also acknowledge Louis Armstrong's unparalleled contributions to American music.
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Melodies and Math: Creating Music with Non-Traditional Instruments
Review the 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures in music with a helpful music theory lesson plan. Young musicians experiment with electronic sounds and create their own musical performance using instruments made from materials found in the...
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What is Timbre?
Learners analyze the differences in similar songs. For this music appreciation lesson, students discover the meaning of timbre and how it can drastically change similar pieces of music. Learners sing two pieces of music with the rest...
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International Festival: Mexico
Students explore the culture of Mexico through music and food. In this multicultural lesson, students read the book Mexico and listen to samples of Mexican music. Students use ingredients to make tacos.
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Who are My Sisters and Brothers?
Students explore religion by completing a cultural diversity activity. For this human compassion lesson, students identify all of "God's Children" as their sisters and brothers. Students read the book Frederick in class and listen to...
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A New Life, a New Home
Students connect with an immigration unit through research, journal writing, digital photography, and a movie production using iMovie. By acting out the immigrant's experience, students gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of...
Odyssey of the Mind
Odyssey of the Mind Curriculum Activity: Performing Arts
The classical arts have made a lasting impact on our society and your advanced learners get to find out why. The activity starts as the children create a list of the arts found in society, they discuss how these art forms impact their...
Media Smarts
Thinking About Television and Movies
As part of their study of the influence of TV and films, class members consider how music, lighting, costumes, camera angles, etc. are used to influence the response of viewers.
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Tchaikovsky and the Nutcracker
Students study Peter Tchaikovsky, the author of the Nutcracker Suite. They listen to the associated music and view images of the author. They write a journal entry about their favorite part of the Nutcracker Suite.
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The Nutcracker
First graders define a ballet as a story told through dance. They listen to melodies and demonstrate beat and accent through body movement. They watch the ballet.
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Immigration Unit
Third graders develop an appreciate for the various cultures that are present in their local community. Through reading and research, they explain how various culture came to live in their area. At the conclusion of the unit, 3rd...
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The Heart of Human Experience: Cultura Azteca
First graders explore Aztec culture to gain understanding of relationship between music, recreation, and culture. Seven lessons on one page.
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Family Origins and American Cultural Pluralism
Students explore, analyze and discuss family origins, special legacies, and racial/cultural groups in literature and art that exposes them to positive examples in African-American history and culture. They encounter examples from dance,...
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I Wish I Were a Butterfly
Students inquire about biology by reading a children's book in class. In this insect lesson, students read the story "I Wish I Were a Butterfly" and identify the unique characteristics of butterflies and other insects. Students complete...
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Mother's Day Story Time Activities
Students examine all of the jobs a mother does. In this Mother's Day lesson, the teacher read the book Five Minutes' Peace, then students brainstorm a list of things their mother does. Students role play the job of a mom and how to relax.
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Exploring Local Architecture
Young scholars examine how to shade a picture of a building. In this sketching a local abbey, students compare an abbey to their Church to find the differences in the architecture. Young scholars practice techniques of shading their...
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The Elephant
Students listen to a story about helping others. In this citizenship lesson, students investigate a group of animals that do not want to help an ant. Students learn about elephants and sing songs about the elelphant in story.
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My Secret War: The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck: Lesson 11
Fifth graders explore world history by participating in a class game. In this propaganda lesson plan, 5th graders identify Madeline Beck and the role women played during World War II. Students create fictitious propaganda posters and...