Lesson Plan
Curated OER

SATIRE AND POLITICS

For Teachers 6th - 10th
Learners, after analyzing a satiric song written during the Prohibition era, illustrate how humor can be utilized as a political tool by writing satiric lyrics on a current political issue at the front of the news world today. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Man in Conflict - Vietnam and Literature

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders analyze the lyrics of protest music. In this Vietnam War lesson, 11th graders examine conflict as they consider the controversial nature of the war as evidenced in song lyrics. Students also consider the Iraq War and its...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

History of Christmas Carols

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students write the lyrics to their own Christmas carol. Through discussion and lecture, students become aware of the history of two Christmas carols. They memorize the lyrics to carols and perform them in class. Students use their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Patriotic Slaves

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders listen to a song and read the lyrics and discuss what patriotism means to them. After viewing pictures of important patriots throughout history, they describe their contribution to society. They write in their journals...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trouble for the United States in the Middle East: The Reagan-Bush Years

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners 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....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The 50 States

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders use maps and music to learn the 50 states. In this US Geography lesson, 5th graders map out a region of the United States and practice singing the song, The 50 States that Rhyme.
Activity
Curated OER

Sing a Tale

For Teachers 7th - 12th
This activity allows students to explore the elements of traditional folktales in folk music.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oh, Say Can You See...

For Teachers 1st - 3rd
Learners explore the meaning behind "The Star-Spangled Banner." In this music instructional activity, students sing the first verse of the national anthem and watch several performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Learners define...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Censorship in America

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students follow resource links to study the history of art censorship in the US. They study the work of the FCC and the Hip-Hop 4 Peace campaign.
Interactive
Curated OER

Bessie Smith

For Students 8th - 12th
In this jazz history activity, students respond to 7 essay and short answer questions about the life and accomplishments of Bessie Smith.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sharing Beauty Through Song

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students perform a song for their school community. In this music lesson, students sing the philanthropic song See Me Beautiful by Red Grammar and reflect upon the lyrics. Students perform the song for their school community.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Wanted, a Substitute

For Students 8th - 12th
In this primary source analysis worksheet, students analyze an American Civil War song. Students respond to 5 short answer questions about the song and its lyrics.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

John Brown Lesson Plan

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students create timelines of the Harper's Ferry Raid. In this Civil War activity, students analyze information and music related to John Brown and his abolitionist work. Students design timelines that document the events that led to and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

My Farm

For Teachers Pre-K - 3rd
Students explore repetition in music. In this music lesson plan, students discover the lyrics of a folk song from Argentina about farm animals. Students read about farms and the animals found on farms prior to learning the song in high...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Songs from the Past

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students research songs from the past to learn about historical events. In this music history lesson, students conduct a survey on the Star-Spangled Banner, research the song and history on various websites, and research songs in the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Border Goes to Hollywood

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a movie or tv show, or listen to music to analyze the ways border life is depicted in arts and entertainment.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mexico's Culture

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students compare and contrast the culture of Mexico to the United States. They brainstorm what makes up a culture and develop a model of their own culture. Students explore Mexican music and dance. Additional cross curriculum activities...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Empathy and the Vietnam War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the implications of the draft during the Vietnam War. For this Vietnam lesson, students analyze the lyrics of songs that explore differents opinions of the Vietnam draft. Students particpate in a role-play activity...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Now's the Time, Charlie Parker Now's the Time, Eddie Jefferson

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students delve into the music of bebop style jazz and the life and talents of some of the great musicians. The styles of Charlie Parker and James Moody are compared and contrasted in this instructional activity.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oh My Darling

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students discuss human interaction with the environment and sing "Clementine" with historical fiction lyrics. They create a map or model of a mining camp in which Clementine may have lived. They discuss what might happen to their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Star-Spangled Banner

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Young scholars explore the Star-Spangled Banner. In this civics lesson, students read the lyrics of the song as well as a handout that details its creation. Young scholars respond to discussion questions from the handout.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

International Curiosity and National Pride

For Teachers 4th - 9th
Learners analyze their own culture and a Bulgarian culture to identify national, local, or ethnic traits. In this culture analysis lesson, students identify three important characteristics of their culture and compose a list of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Songs That Bring Us Together

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students listen to the song, Get Together, and discuss the theme. They list topics that bring people together, write the lyrics to and sing a class song, and write a paragraph about message songs.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

One World

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students explore the urban socioeconomic and political problems in the US that caused hip hop to emerge in the 70's and 80's. Hip Hop culture is explored and related to the genre of art form.