Curated OER
Observational Drawing
Young scholars create drawings using oil pastels that convey cultural, social and historical meaning. Drawings are evaluated on use of color planning, contour drawing, color blending, line and pattern.
Curated OER
Chicago Rhythms, Chicago Roots
Students view a video about different types of music. They examine the history of jazz, big band and rock back to the city of Chicago. They discover Chicago's music scene today and compare it to the past.
Curated OER
Jam Sessions
Students examine the connection between sense of humor and jazz improvisation by identifying the musical instruments imitated by comedian Bill Cosby. They listen to another recording by Clark Terry and write what they think he might be...
Curated OER
Fun with Phylogenetic Trees
Tenth graders differentiate angiosperms and gymnosperms. In this biology lesson, 10th graders construct a musical phylogenetic tree from information they gathered on resource websites. They present their project in class.
Curated OER
K-2: The Second Grade World of Louis Armstrong
Second graders explore Louis Armstrong's music. In this language arts lesson, 2nd graders research different resources so that they can write a report on Louis Armstrong and his music. Additionally, students create illustrations of Louis...
Curated OER
Emotion Painting
Budding artists explore the nature of emotion through artistic expression. They discuss feelings, colors, line, and design, mix colors and then create an emotive piece that expresses a singular emotion. There are three cross-curricular...
Curated OER
Under Joni Mitchell's Influence
High schoolers view the AMERICAN MASTERS entitled Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart and Mind, examine the concept of influence, and explore how Joni Mitchell and her work have influenced others. Students read, interpret, and analyze her...
Curated OER
Elections
Students examine why and how elections are conducted in Australia. They compare first-past-the-post, preferential and proportional systems of voting. Students brainstorm the names of elected representatives in the current federal...
Curated OER
Asian and Other Cultures
Middle schoolers view and discuss a video showing different festivals celebrated in Asian cultures. They participate in a class survey of the different festivals celebrated in their own families and brainstorm the purposes for...
Curated OER
The Secret Society and FitzGerald's The Great Gatsby
Students formulate what tensions about wealth and status are revealed in The Great Gatsby. Apply how these tensions are reflected in Nick Carraway's struggle to belong. Write a "credo" for the "secret society" implied in The Great Gatsby.
Curated OER
The Sound and Feel of the 1920s
Eleventh graders comprehend the 1920's. They analyze examples of art from 1920's to build an comprehension of the times. They are asked if art reflect or transcend the time in which it was created? Students discuss the common element...
Curated OER
Crazy Crazy Bones
Students practice labeling the bones of a human skeleton. Students reword the song "Dry Bones" with the accurate names of the bones listed.
Curated OER
The Places We Love
Students examine how they and others express themselves. Using various writings and art, they discover the places they like to go in the world and share them with their classmates. They paint their favorite place and share their...
Curated OER
Swing Your Partner! It's A Virtual Square Dance
Learners explore the Wessels Living History Farm website and research how to do a square dance. They read a story, listen to an explanation of barn dances, and participate in various square dances.
Curated OER
Los Angeles Tourist Brochures
Students study the history of Los Angeles and make a tourist brochure for the city.
Curated OER
Los Angeles Tourist Brochures
Students investigate the history of Los Angeles. They conduct Internet research, select a specific topic, and create a tourist brochure that includes information, pictures, and maps.
Curated OER
VH1 Road to Fame: Harry Connick Jr.
Students examine the life of Harry Connick Jr. and keep a journal on how they could be more successful.
Curated OER
George Gershwin
Pupils explore the life and accomplishments of George Gershwin. They listen to Latin rhythms and practice the rhythmic parts. Students identify Latin instruments George Gershwin added to the orchestra. After practice, they perform a...
Curated OER
Dance Team/ Collaborative Fitness Routines
Students experience the process of creating a "dance team" type routine by following a set procedure.
Curated OER
Meet Louis Prima!
Students discover the difference in major and minor tonality after a brief introduction to Louis Prima. They discuss swing dancing and Louis Prima's role in the "Jungle Book" as the character King Louis. Students listen to the song...
Curated OER
"The Block": Romare Bearden's and Mine
Students study Bearden's style of collage and create their own collage that reflects their neighborhood. They are read "The Block" and poems about neighborhoods and write one about theirs.
Curated OER
Making the Changes
Students investigate the two chords of G/F in the 4/4 meter within the acceptable boundaries. They practice listening and performing the chords using the method of improvisation. Students also recognize the relationship of notes and...
PBS
Pbs: Defining Jazz Music
In this lesson, students will develop a definition of jazz. Through biographies and interviews of jazz musicians, students will learn what jazz music is about.
PBS
Pbs: Jazz Music and the Crisis Over School Desegregation
Working in cooperative groups, your students will learn how jazz musicians expressed the Civil Rights era in their music. This lesson focuses on the Civil Rights movement in Little Rock, Arkansas. Also, they will learn to about the...