Smithsonian Institution
Braiding Rhythms: The Role of Bell Patterns in West African and Afro-Caribbean Music
Africans transported to the Caribbean as part of the transatlantic slave trade brought with them a rich tradition of music and dance. Four lessons teach young musicians the rumba clave rhythm, cascara rhythm, and the 6/8 bell patterns...
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Feudal Japan and the Samurai
Students study the similarities of Feudal Japan and Europe. They show the feudal society of Japan, recognize the role of the samurai and identify the code of bushido.
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A Day in the Life of a Child in Accra, Ghana
Students create a list of similarities and differences between their lives and the life of a child in Ghana. They write what a typical day would be like if they lived in Ghana.
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Senufo Painting
Pupils create a Senufo painting in the same style as the Fakaha tribespeople from West Africa. They listen to a teacher-led lecture on Senufo painting, develop a sketch of an animal and masked figures, and draw their figures on burlap.
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African Diaspora: Misconceptions, Misinterpretations, and Omissions
Students study the definition of the African Diaspora. They examine the conditions/circumstances that produced the African Diaspora.
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Rice Around the World
Third graders draw pictures to show the life of early colonists and how they set the standard for rice farming. In this rice farming lesson plan, 3rd graders read about how and when Americans set the standards for growing and producing...
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The Impact of the Cotton Gin
Fourth graders study Eli Whitney and the cotton gin. In this instructional activity on the cotton gin, 4th graders use primary and secondary sources to gather information about Eli Whitney, the cotton gin that he invented and how it...
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Africa South of the Sahara Today
Students describe and analyze cultural exchange projects that link students in all parts of the world. They write a report about the Ghana project of Morgan City High School.
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African Cities Are Modern
Students create a mobile that compares the way of life in modern cities in Africa to rural villages in Africa.
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People of African Descent
Learners view art by artists of African descent. Using these paintings, they discuss the social history of Africans and focus on specific artists to examine their lives. They also reflect on the Canadian Multiculturalism Act which...
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African Dance and Song
Learners participate in a Zulu song game. They listen to African music and discover that is is a part of the culture, ceremonies, and dances. Students learn the dance/song, "Vulani Ringi Ring," and practice it after memorizing the words.
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African Novel Study
Seventh graders participate in literature circles as they read African novels. They read, work on word studies, and complete comprehension activities. They share their reading with other literature circle groups in the class.
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Introduction to African Culture Through Music & Dance
Learners explore various elements in West African Culture through the medium of a traditional music and dance from Ghana. They take an imaginary tour of a village dance-drumming event in West Africa.
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Keeping the Past Alive
Learners read about the oral histories of West Africa and complete related activities. In this oral histories lesson, students read about the importance of oral customs in African cultures. Learners interview a family member about oral...
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What is reconciliation?
Tenth graders practice using empathy with an enemy. In this Current Events lesson, 10th graders prepare possible peace plans for Bosnia after the war. Students write a report on Nelson Mandela's use of reconciliation in South...
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Preparing for Drought
Students study droughts in Oklahoma and list possible reasons for droughts. They form subcommittees to explore the drought problem and create plans for drought management and relief. They research five areas around the world where...
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Life in Sahara
Students explore the geography of the Sahara region of Africa and identify characteristics of a desert habitat. They explore the culture of the people living there and how it has adapted to desert life.
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Jewish Culture Through Food Recipes
Young scholars engage in studying Jewish culture through the experience of tasting and eating different foods. They answer key questions that are used to guide the activity. The foods of Americans is contrasted with the Jewish foods.
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He's Donating $100 Million to a University
Students explore the concept of social philanthropy. In this social philanthropy lesson, students read an article about billionaires donating money to universities. Students discuss social entrepreneurship and how billionaires are...
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Breaking the Unjust Law
Students consider the concept of civil disobedience. For this lesson on changing unjust laws, students use primary sources to understand how Gandhi and King changed the law. Students will then list laws that they feel are unjust and plan...
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Peace in Palestine?
Seventh graders imagine themselves to be one of the characters listed in the simulation handout imbedded in this plan. In character, and working in groups, 7th graders simulate a conversation that would be held around the table, in each...
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Who Dropped What into the Melting Pot?
Pupils show the movement of people to the United States from other countries on maps. They study the geographic cultural roots of foods that contribute to the melting pot of food in America. They research where an ingredient comes from...
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The Commonwealth Games
Young scholars study the history, form, and function of the Commonwealth Games. Groups work to design an inclusive sporting event to add to the Games, and develop an advertising campaign for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
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Communism
Seventh graders study communism. In this world history lesson, 7th graders discuss the similarities and differences between communism and democracies by writing Venn Diagrams.