Lesson Plan
Smithsonian Institution

The Birth of an Icon: Learning and Performing the Origins of the Drum Set and Early Jazz Drumming in New Orleans, Louisiana

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals. Perched behind their drum sets, wielding their drum sticks and wire brushes, drummers lay the grove and are the heartbeat of a band's performance. A dynamic lesson introduces young musicians to...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Twelve Days of Christmas Dancercise

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students participate in a dance routine set to the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. They monitor their heart rate and learn a new song.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Introduction to African Culture Through Music & Dance

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students 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.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fourth of July Fitness Fun

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students increase the heart rate and improve fitness by moving for an extended length of time. They go to three work stations: 1) Jump into July, 2) Firecrackers, and 3) Flag building.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Drumming from the Heart

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students complete a craft activity using recyclable containers and read a story to a younger child. In this service lesson, students read the story 'The Drum' and do a service project retelling the story and making a drum from recyclable...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Al Otro Lado

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students view a video about the border between the United States and Mexico. They discuss the forces that influence human migration. They write a paper from the point of view of the main character in the film.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Native American Legend

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students compare the Native American version of Cinderella to the more popular version they know. They compare legends with fairy tales and explore character traits and discuss the meaning of good character. They write a fairy tale of...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jingle Shapes!

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students play a movement and freeze activity to jingle bells.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Learning to Give

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students learn what it means to give generously. In this giving lesson plan, students give examples of when they have given of themselves. Students complete a service project where they create a gift for preschoolers with whom they can...
Website
Other

Chickasaw Cultural Center: The Heartbeat of a Nation

For Students 9th - 10th
The Chickasaw Cultural Center's stated purpose is to celebrate Chickasaw history and culture. The best way to explore what it has to offer is to view the many videos (the link is at the bottom of the page) which tour the features of the...