Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shake, Rattle and Roll

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders explore the causes and effects of earthquakes. They also collect and analyze data in graphs. They also use the Internet to research earthquakes
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Being Me in the Face of Adversity - Americans Who Stood Up for Their Beliefs

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Young scholars identify important Americans from the colonial, revolutionary and slavery periods who are noted for standing up for their beliefs in the face of peer disapproval. They identify the importance of music in motivating and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Americans Who Stood Up for Their Beliefs

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students will reflect upon the use of music to teach lessons throughout history. The focus of the study is based upon early American History. The tie of music and the abolition of slavery makes for interesting inquiry for learners.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Guide Through the Culture of the Blues

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the history of blues music and discover how it relates to the music of today. As a class, they listen to the drum songs of Africa and compare it to the use of drums in pop music today. Using the internet, they research...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

“And Still I Rise” Proud Black Women

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine the experiences of African American women. In this poetry lesson, students use their literary analysis skills to compare the poetry of Maya Angelou to rap music performed by Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Marching to the Beat of a Different Drum

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the American dream. In this contemporary music lesson, students analyze the lyrics of songs by Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, and David Massengill. Students create 3-D representations of the American dream and write...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Vietnam War: A Popular Music Approach

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the Vietnam War in music. In this Vietnam activity, students listen to and analyze popular music from the Vietnam era in order to understand the use of propaganda regarding the controversial war. Students develop...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

All That is Irish and More - Activity 1

For Teachers 4th - 11th
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 lesson to fiddle music (Part One of Two).
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Empathy and the Vietnam War

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore the implications of the draft during the Vietnam War. For this Vietnam lesson, students analyze the lyrics of songs that explore differents opinions of the Vietnam draft. Students particpate in a role-play activity...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

VH1 Storytellers for Save the Music Starring Billy Joel

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students pretend they are taking a certain job in the music industry and respond to questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Time for All Ages

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders discover time keeping by analyzing technological advances in history.  In this time lesson, 4th graders create and complete a KWL chart based on their research of a famous timekeeping invention, such as a sundial....
Worksheet
Curated OER

African American History

For Students 7th - 9th
In this African American History learning exercise, students conduct research to find the answer to 10 questions about famous African Americans.
Lesson Plan
California Academy of Science

Measuring Earthquakes

For Teachers 4th - 8th
After a brief discussion on earthquakes, make a makeshift seismograph to record the shaking of the table that it sits upon. While the background information will be useful to you as a teacher, the seismograph does not seem like it would...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring the Self

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers use different pieces of music and writings to explore the theme of self-reliance and individuality. After viewing a video clip, they discuss how the images made them feel. They keep a writing journal to evaluate their...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Trouble for the United States in the Middle East: The Reagan-Bush Years

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Learners examine U.S. foreign affairs with the Middle East during the Reagan and Bush presidencies. In this Middle East lesson, students watch video segments, examine maps, and listen to music regarding the relationship between the U.S....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Compositional Techniques: Are There Similarities Between

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars recognize how chromatic scales create tension and pentatonic scales create relaxation as compositional techniques used to create tonality. Also, students aurally recognize the use of mixed or alternating meter as a means...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Fill-In l Remembering Dick Clark

For Students 7th - 10th
Your scholars may have an idea of who Dick Clark is, but do they understand the role he has played in American history for over 50 years? Give learners some practice with media literacy as they read an article about Clark's life and fill...
PPT
Curated OER

Sunken Millions for People in our Past

For Teachers 5th
This multiple choice review covers famous historical figures from all walks of life.  each slide has a scoring set up in the corner which assumes two teams and allows for hints and lifelines etc. but it is not clear how to use this...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Runaway Slaves

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine struggles for freedom. In this Underground Railroad activity, students listen to "Follow the Drinking Gourd" and "Freedom" to lead them into a discussion regarding freedoms . Students watch the video "The...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Storytellers: Coldplay

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students listen to the music of Coldplay to explore the band.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Music Styles

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students identify many genres of music and connect styles of music with various cultures. They watch "The Greatest TV Moments: Sesame Street Music A to Z" and list music styles: folk, jazz, rock, etc.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Day at the Fair

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students explore the American tradition of state and county fairs. In this American fairs lesson, students read an article about American fairs and complete a five senses table for experiences at fairs. Students role play a family...
Unit Plan
Curated OER

A Boyhood Home

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Students investigate the restoration of John Lennon's childhood home and the life of John Lennon. They discuss various famous buildings in Britain, view and discuss photos of Lennon's childhood home, read a handout and answer discussion...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, The Minstrels

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore "Stairway to Heaven". In this music history lesson, students examine the music and lyrics of the Led Zeppelin song. Students compare the song to Renaissance madrigal music.