National Endowment for the Humanities
John Steinbeck’s "The Grapes of Wrath": The Inner Chapters
Here’s a must-have resource for anyone using The Grapes of Wrath. Everything from guiding questions to background information, from photographs to documentary films, from activities to assessments is included in a richly detailed packet...
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Water Music
Young scholars explore music about water. They listen to various pieces of music, play instruments, and plan and create a piece of art that includes a water motif.
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VH1 AIDS: A Pop Culture History Lesson 3
Young scholars investigate the relationship between music and culture, and how music conveys thoughts and emotions. They write their own song.
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Harp Of Gold
Students create "Harp" pictures using harp shapes, shoe box lids, paints, old sheet music, and inspiration from Harp music in this inter-disciplinary Art and Music activity for the elementary classroom. Resource links are included for...
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Performance Evaluation
Students evaluate in class performance of music previously prepared by the ensemble. The rubric and assessment criteria are adaptable to any orchestra setting which allows the teacher to choose music to be assessed. Critical thinking...
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Cable in the Classroom
Students understand how to successfully work in a group. Students create and perform their own autobiographical rap songs. Students conclude how rap music and music in general can help us to deal with emotional issues.
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Interactive Timeline
Young scholars examine the development of ragtime music and its relation to jazz. They participate in an online Interactive timeline and read about the history of ragtime music, listen to examples of music, and in small groups create...
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"Let's Write a Song"
Fourth graders analyze, brainstorm and practice playing a melody/pattern with rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and instrumental pieces of many styles. In addition, they create an original piece of music.
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SENSORY ELEMENTS
Students describe the sensory elements of musical selections (i.e., tempos, dynamics, and articulations). They write an essay evaluating Saint-Saens' effectiveness in using sensory elements in both selections. They describe the...
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Rhythm In Motion
Sixth graders work independently and with a partner to demonstrate proficiency of steady beat, meter and basic note values while creating written rhythmic patterns for class performance. State and National Standards are addressed.
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Vocal Awareness
Learners explore the human voice through teacher-directed exercises and experiments in the Kindergarten or 1st grade general music classroom. Textbook references are mentioned and an assessment pattern is given.
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Celebration
Students identify the different ways in which different countries celebrate and why, including story, dance, music, and exchanging gifts. Then they develop a basic standard of non-verbal communication through either dance, mime,...
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Starting at the Beginning
Sixth graders develop basic band skills through in-class instruction, individual practice, and the Essential Elements band method. Instruction is teacher-led with examples and drill/practice. National Standards for the arts are...
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Maracas
Young scholars create Maracas out of various supplies while learning about percussion instruments in this Art and Music lesson for the elementary and middle level classroom. Detailed directions for two different methods are given.
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Molas from South America
Third graders research world geography by creating a class presentation. In this South American instructional activity, 3rd graders read assigned text regarding the customs and traditions of different Indian communities in South America....
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Back in the Day
Students identify the genre of music called Hip Hop, analyze its elements, and formulate a definition of the Hip Hop culture.
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A-Tisket, A-Tasket
Learners sing sections of Ella Fitzgerald's famous song "A Tisket, A Tasket," arranged by David Elliot, in this high school music lesson for women's chorus. Emphasis is placed on proper singing techniques and the use of correct "scat"...
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Computer Basics
Students review basic terminology that they would use to reference computers in media arts. In this computer terminology lesson plan, students use terms frequently.
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Jazz in America
Students explore the Swing Era and its implications. They answer questions and listen to music from the era.
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Jazz in America
Students learn the basic elements of music and gain an understanding of the elements found in Jazz.
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Jazz in America
Pupils explore the Jazz of today and its future. They answer questions and listen to music.
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Jazz in America
Eleventh graders explore Jazz in America. They examine greats in Jazz, such as Duke Ellington. They are also to discuss the cultural implications of the music itself.
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Balloon Dance
Young learners love creative movement. Here is a lesson that allows them to imitate balloons floating away by doing a "Balloon Dance." They start on the ground as if they are flat balloons with no air in them. The music starts, and they...
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New Orleans Beginning: 1901-1922
Students examine the beginnings of jazz in New Orleans. They relate the music to the history and culture of the region. They also perform the music for their classmates.