Smithsonian Institution
Singing for Justice: Following the Musical Journey of “This Little Light of Mine”
Scholars go on a musical journey to discover the origin, importance, and evolution of the song, "This Little Light of Mine". Class members boost their voice talents and clap to the beat while learning the lyrics in both English and Zulu....
Curated OER
The Media and Social Justice in the United States
Young scholars investigate why the hip hop is sometimes called the CNN of black youth. They explore the political themes in American hip hop. Students examine the connection between art, media and social justice in hip hop.
Curated OER
Music of the Civil Rights Era, 1954-1968
Students experience the aesthetics of music and learn about freedom songs that motivated the Civil Rights activists. In this music history lesson, students learn how music can motivate and move listeners. Students then describe how...
Curated OER
Fair Use and Music
Young scholars examine fair use. In this character education lesson, students discover copyright and fair use laws regarding media. Young scholars discuss the ethics of movie and music sharing.
Curated OER
Social Movements in American Politics
Students explore American social movements. In this writing skills lesson, students read Orwell's "Politics and the English." Students then apply the rules for writing that are included in the piece. Students follow-up by completing a...
Curated OER
The Spread of Enlightenment Ideas
Looking for a simple and straightforward reference on the Enlightenment for your young historians? Check out this list of key terms and important figures from the period, followed by a traditional assessment where your learners will be...
Curated OER
The Media and Social Justice in Your Community
Students study symbolism in media. They listen to two Hip Hop songs and watch the videos for them. They identify symbols and their meanings based on the context of the images seen in the videos and the lyrics heard.
iCivics
James Bond in a Honda? Trial Simulation
Your class members will take on the roles of jury members in this exciting simulation. After reading a detailed script and reviewing pieces of evidence, they will determine whether Honda violated copyright and copied James Bond.
Curated OER
Pay it Forward
Students explore the basic concept of micro-financing. In this economics/literacy lesson, students listen to One Hen by Katie Smith, in which a small loan changes the life of the main character. Students employ comprehension strategies...
Curated OER
Introductory Lesson on Prejudice
Students define prejudice. In this cultural diversity lesson, students analyze the lyrics of "Carefully Taught," from Broadway's South Pacific and then discuss and debate the attributes of prejudice.
Curated OER
Social Responsibility Need - Versus - Greed
Learners look at situations where people's rights have been infringed. They stimulate thought and action regarding use of our resources and respecting diversity. They respect those who have different beliefs/customs and appreciate...
Curated OER
Folk
Students read about Woody Guthrie and how folk music often tells of events of the time and can be effective protest music.
Curated OER
Examples of Justice Systems and Practices in Western Africa
Tenth graders explore African belief systems. In this West African lesson, 10th graders research these belief systems. Students create a wooden figure that represents these beliefs.
Curated OER
GET UP, STAND UP: Fighting for Rights Around the World
Students explore basic human rights as they explore music by black artists. For this human rights lesson, students examine music as a cultural reflection of the justice issues. Students analyze Jamaican roots reggae of the 70s, American...
Curated OER
he Media and Social Justice Around the World
Students will activate literacy skills in internet medium, and will use reading, critical thinking and writing skills as they work with their groups to collect and organize information. The follow up activity will allow them to augment...
Curated OER
Character Education: Fairness
Pupils discuss issues related to fairness and the music industry with a variety of partners. In this character education lesson, students sit in a round formation and discuss five topics for one minute at a time before changing partners....
Curated OER
What Makes a Good Law?
Why were laws created? Spark a group discussion on why we need laws to co-exist. Should the sale of some things be outlawed on Sundays? Read a case summary between Target and the state of Minnesota that debated this issue. Ask your...
Curated OER
Kids in the Classroom on Summit Day
High schoolers discuss the qualifications of a Supreme Court justice. As a class, they role play the role of a justice and share with the class why they are the best qualified candidate for the job. In groups, they create a bumper...
Curated OER
Passing Down Family History Through Oral Tradition: Corridos
Young scholars create and perform Corridos which are oral tradition ballads. In this Passing Down Family History Through Oral Tradition lesson, students interview family members using a predetermined list of questions. In addition, young...
Curated OER
The Role of Protest Songs
tudents will illustrate the role, significance, and history of protest songs from the African American Civil Rights Movement. They will verbally answer the question: "What is the link between the Civil Rights Movement and Hip Hop music...
Curated OER
Peacemakers
First graders use the alphabet as a tool to list words related to the concept of peace. The words are used to contribute to the production of a slideshow. The integration of technology is helpful to keep student interest. The show is...
Curated OER
Fair Trade
Students discuss philanthropy. In this fair trade lesson, students discover the meaning of fair trade. They are given the definition and work in small groups to read further on the topic and answer questions. This lesson includes...
Curated OER
Cyber-crime
Students discuss what types of Internet activity are or should be considered criminal, examine how criminal prohibitions against certain types of Internet activity are best implemented in law, determine whether computer crimes are unique...
Curated OER
Indiana Travel Guide
Fourth graders, after exploring and researching the state of Indiana, create a travel guide about the state of Indiana including its capital, major rivers, governors and two famous people from the state. They utilize a variety of art...