Pupils read Sharyn McCrumb's and Maggie Greenwald's versions of "Songcatcher" and use them as a springboard to explore the heritage and traditions of Appalachian folk music. They review Internet sources, conduct research and write reports.

Students examine culture and music of specified areas. They conduct research and design a booth for a chosen culture. With researched information, students decorate a poster, create an informational packet, and locate examples of music.

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 activity to fiddle music (Part One of Two).