Harmony is the focus of this band lesson. Upper graders play the Star Spangled Banner, while focusing on harmony, chords, and musical voice. This lesson includes several suggested cross-curricular activities.

Children explore what life might be like for refugees and people migrating to a different country. Each student lists the five most precious items he/she owns and is then given an extreme scenario to consider. By the end of the exercise,...

What do Johann Sebastian Bach and Miles Davis have in common? Much more than class members might imagine. The comparison of these two famous composers is just one lesson in a unit that investigates many facets of the music industry...

Learners discover the shape-note method of singing. In this reading and notating music instructional activity, students learn the four shapes of the shape-note method and the tradition of Sacred Harp singers. Learners sing the shapes of...

Take a creative approach to teaching about community in a religious context. Learners read Acts 2:42-47 and choose the verse they feel exemplify the importance of community. They then pair share, write journal responses, and then...

Sixth graders study who Confucius was and when he lived. They explain the basic ideas of Confucius, his plan for a good government, and his ideas on harmony in society. They explain the impact of Confucian teachings on contemporary...

There are three little words every teacher is just dying to hear; investigate, discuss, and play. Kids love those words too, and they'll love finding out what types of things children did for fun long ago. As homework, they interview...

Singing is a wonderful way to express an idea of any kind. This lesson plan is written expressly for use in directing a high school chorus. They work on using four-part harmony, expression, and melodic intervals while singing a Jewish...

The introduction to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake and the finale of his Symphony No. 4 provide young musicians with an opportunity to investigate the music elements composers employ to develop the themes they want to create. They compare the...

Americans may think of Mount Everest as a region dedicated to adventurous hikers, but many cultures have flourished there! Learners read informative books, watch videos, participate in classroom discussion, analyze folk tales, and...

Students listen and respond to various forms of Caribbean music. In this music and culture lesson, students clap rhythms and respond to a sung call. Lyrics are analyzed for language blends and repetition. Music and culture from Puerto...

Learners explore, analyze and discuss the human values of truth, love, peace, righteousness, and responsibility. They discover that these values help everyone live more happily and in greater harmony with other people. Valuing others...

Students study and express the five values of truth, love, peace, right conduct, and non-violence. The lesson focuses on the beginning of the year, introducing the values. Through games, singing, and reading--students become familiar...

Young scholars compare the traditional Mayan clothing to their everyday clothing. In this multicultural appreciation lesson plan, students look at images of traditional Mayan clothing and discuss its importance.

Learners explore the five values of truth, love, peace, righteousness, and non-violence. Students read a story and a poem, sing songs, and participate in hands-on activities to investigate and reinforce values. In groups, learners act...

Students express their opinion on issues related to Central America. After reading an article, they discuss the relations between the Presidents of Mexico and the United States. Using the internet, they research a part of the party...

Investigate the life of Mahatma Gandhi by researching non-violent lifestyles. Learners define the word ahimsa and discuss the personal characteristics that made Gandhi a peaceful warrior. They also create a poster about the story "The...

Learners compose pandiatonic works using computers as a compositional tool. Following the anticipatory set, they work individually to create their own pieces. The lesson plan concludes with a "concert" of the created student compositions.

Students use information from a variety of media to evaluate different artists' views on the human relationship to nature. From these sources, class discussion, and personal experience, students will synthesize a thoughtful,...

Did you know that Coke can teach the world to sing in perfect harmony? Learners develop an awareness of more subtle, less obvious methods advertisers use to reach consumers. Included is a list of related lessons available on the Media...

Learners listen to world music samples and try to identify the countries of origin; students work in small groups to design an online "world music caf??."

Students compose short compositions using Doodle Pad.  In this Musical composition lesson, students a clef and note lines to prior knowledge of the treble clef and note lines to write short songs on the computer.  Students use...

Learners integrate the patterns of Fibonacci into music. In this geometry lesson, students apply the concepts of recursion, pattern and Phi or Golden Ratio to composing and playing music on various instruments. They lesson is co-taught...