Students perform any part of a four-part keyboard ensemble with musical sensibility in a "hard rock" style. They improvise a melody over student accompaniment.

Students study folksongs and The Jam on Gerry's Rock. They discuss folksongs they are familiar with and listen to information of The Jam on Gerry's Rock. They sing the song and discuss the story it tells and its qualities as a folksong....

Students discuss the impact of environmental change on people and culture; create musical instruments that reflect cultural influences. apply musical concepts, evaluate Internet resources, and make a meaningful presentation.

Students analyze song lyrics and discuss Faust theme in musical history. In this thematic activity, students view a film clip and create a song lyric, poem or short story developed around the Faust theme. Students perform or present...

High schoolers explore the culture of the United States in the 1950's.  In this history lesson, students research culture in the 1950's, with a focus on fashion, music, television, automobiles, etc., then work in groups to create a...

Students identify important Americans from the colonial, revolutionary and slavery periods who are noted for standing up for their beliefs in the face of peer disapproval. They identify the importance of music in motivating and...

Eleventh graders explain the causes, course, and consequences of the United States' role in World War II.

For this historical reading comprehension learning exercise, students read a factual account of the Gold Rush. Students answer 14 questions about the passage.

Sixth graders explore haiku poetry and the works of the Japanese poet Basho. They review characteristics of haiku poetry and other forms of poetry. After they write three or more haiku poems, they illustrate one of them and share with...

Pupils watch the opera "La Boheme" and the movie "Moulin Rouge" to explore the similarities and differences between them.

Students listen to examples of fiddle music and violin music to determine the similarities and differences between the two musical forms. A video link is included in this introductory lesson to fiddle music (Part One of Two).

Students study the history of the electric guitar. In this electric guitar lesson, students use print and Internet sources to research the history of the electric guitar. Students use their research findings to create PowerPoint...

What is real or imagined? The lines of beauty reality, and imagination are blurred in Elizabeth Peyton's portraits of her community. Learners analyze her use of artistic technique in conveying real and imagined communities. They then use...

Young scholars examine the influence of music and film on contemporary fashion. In this popular culture lesson, students research select films featuring John Travolta. Young scholars research selected time periods in American history as...

In this history of opera activity, students explore and research what an opera is and then answer four questions regarding the history of opera in complete sentences.

High schoolers examine the changing American landscape. In this cause and effect lesson, students listen to rock music that exemplifies urban growth in America and the interconnectedness of America today. High schoolers write cause and...

Students study how the music of Dave Matthews Band is based on jazz, blues, bluegrass, rock and roll, and rap.

Students investigate the restoration of John Lennon's childhood home and the life of John Lennon. They discuss various famous buildings in Britain, view and discuss photos of Lennon's childhood home, read a handout and answer discussion...

With graphic organizers galore, learners will follow the changes of church and state in early colonial America. They look at the differences between the pilgrims and the puritans in terms of beliefs and life ways. Myths and...

Students compose song as a classroom effort. They write a one-paragraph essay about "message" songs in 100 years and include three ideas for topics along with the style of music (such as folk, rock, blues, rap, etc.) that would match.

Students list the four main families of musical instruments, name one instrument from each musical family, name three ways music is used in everyday life.

Learners examine the experiences of African American women. In this poetry lesson, students use their literary analysis skills to compare the poetry of Maya Angelou to rap music performed by Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill.

Students examine U.S. foreign affairs with the Middle East during the Reagan and Bush presidencies. In this Middle East lesson, students watch video segments, examine maps, and listen to music regarding the relationship between the U.S....

Students will reflect upon the use of music to teach lessons throughout history. The focus of the study is based upon early American History. The tie of music and the abolition of slavery makes for interesting inquiry for learners.