Curated OER
Caribbean Beats and Blends: A Global Sound Lesson
Students listen and respond to various forms of Caribbean music. In this music and culture instructional activity, students clap rhythms and respond to a sung call. Lyrics are analyzed for language blends and repetition. Music and...
Curated OER
Sequential Still Life
Sixth graders engage in a visual arts lesson featuring still life sketching and watercolor painting created by individual students.
Curated OER
Why Come To America?
Eighth graders investigate reasons large numbers of people immigrated to the U.S. They identify hardships and risks involved in coming to America and identify the affects immigration has had on the traditions and cultures in the...
Curated OER
Storytelling
Students discuss how they know certain aspects about their families and customs. As a class, they discover that life changes over time and stories are only preserved if they are told. They read many different pieces of literature to...
Curated OER
Cha Cha
Young scholars demonstrate the Cha Cha basics. They practice the Cha Cha basics and keep the beat with the motions. They study a brief history of the Cha Cha and observe music in relation to history and culture.
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-Shakespeare and Macbeth: The Story Behind the Play
Students read Shakespeare and Macbeth: The Story Behind the Play by Stewart Ross. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the play and Shakespearian culture. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing,...
Curated OER
Malambo
Students use appropriate terms to reflect a working knowledge of the musical elements and use terminology from music and dance to analyze and compare structures of musical and other artistic works. They also identify the purpose of the...
Curated OER
The 1980s Series - Fashion
Students explore the cultural and creative phenomenons of the 1980s. They transform old clothes, model them and reflect on the process. They create a set as a backdrop and present a Fashion Show.
Curated OER
Japanese Fans
Students create individual examples of Japanese fans in this arts-based lesson on the history of Japanese fan making. Resource links and ideas for the creative portion of the lesson are provided.
Curated OER
Where's Walden and Why Henry?
Sixth graders understand how Thoreau can serve as both inspiration and model for the investigation of home places. They explore ways to become better observers of natural and cultural history. Students find out how to connect with their...
Curated OER
New Forms from Old
Students look at historic porcelain objects. In this visual arts lesson, students examine how the use of historic objects has changed over time. Students design their own object from paper cups, bowls, plates, and more.
Curated OER
Africa
Young scholars create a poster showing how two different cultures strive for beauty.
Curated OER
In My Dream
Students listen to recordings of early jazz and identify examples of ostinato and syncopation. They discuss important personalities from jazz cultures and take a quiz on aspects of jazz.
Curated OER
Types of Popular Music
Pupils listen to different types of music, such as bluegrass, rap and blues. They identify different styles of music and musical instruments. They discuss how the music reflects culture.
Curated OER
Eurovision
Young scholars explore Europe's comples cultural identity. Students consider if one song could represent all pop music tastes of Europe. In groups, young scholars plan an evening of entertainment. They design posters to promote the...
Curated OER
Musical Instruments - Percussion
Students research and analyze various percussion instruments from different countries and cultures in this Music lesson for the upper-elementary classroom. Emphasis is placed on internet research and hands-on drumming techniques from...
Curated OER
Alternate Histories
Students create a mixed media collage. In this visual arts lesson, students look at the work of Jane Ash Poitras. They create their own collage that shows their personal and collective history and experiences.
Curated OER
African-American Gospel Music
Young scholars examine gospel music including the lyrics and instrumentation. They explain the meaning of the lyrics and how they are related to the cultural values associated with the music. They differentiate between gospel and...
Curated OER
"Sakura Sakura" and the Kumoijoshi Scale of Japan
Students listen to a recording of "Sakura" and determine where it is from. In this global sound lesson, students view pictures of cherry blossoms and connect its significance to Japanese culture. Students sing the score while...
Curated OER
Neoclassical Influences
Students identify artists of the Neoclassical period and how they were influenced by major historical events during the Enlightenment as well as identify the Neoclassical style.In this Neoclassical art lesson,...
Curated OER
Black and Blue
Students create print advertisements that persuade viewers to visit African-American history museums by detailing their artistic, cultural, and historical benefits.
Curated OER
The Hmong and the Storycloth: How traditions and cultures are transmitted through folklore and art
Fourth graders understand how families, communities, and countries preserve tradition through art and recognize that the Hmong of Southeast Asia use storycloth as a medium to pass down their tradition and history.
Curated OER
African Ceramic Mask Making
Students investigate a variety of African mask types, design several masks, and create an example of an African ceramic mask in this 5th grade through High School Art lesson. The lesson can take anywhere from 6 lessons to 16 lessons.
Curated OER
Molas from South America
Third graders research world geography by creating a class presentation. In this South American lesson, 3rd graders read assigned text regarding the customs and traditions of different Indian communities in South America. Students...