HHHMS Pathfinders
Music of Our History
8th Grade U.S. History
Music reflects and preserves our American history. Songwriters and singers have often expressed their views about American culture and events of the time. While many songs deliver a positive message, others express discontent.
You will be assigned a specific decade to research. You will research the music and events of that decade and relate the messages or themes of the songs to events that took place during the decade.
Group Project
History Assignment
Specific research on your decade will relate to the following categories:
ENTERTAINMENTSCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY
U.S. & WORLD EVENTS
There will be one final group grade and one final product for each group. Reference books and the Internet will be used to generate information.
All sources used must be documented in a Works Cited page.Individual Assignments
Reading Assignment
Each student will read a fiction or non-fiction book about their decade to gain background knowledge of what life was like at this time. Books must be cleared by the teacher before reading begins.Language Arts Assignment
Each student will complete a persuasive paper on the following:
Chosing from one of the above research categories, persuade us as to why this is the most influentual invention, person, scientific advance, etc. from your decade.
Defend your conclusion with unbiased factual information
Describe the impact this has had on today's culture.Individual Project
History Assignment
Each student will choose and analyze one song that was released during their decade. The group or singer, the songwriter, and the release date must be documented. Each student will present their song to the class by first playing the song, then presenting your analysis of the lyrics.
Tips on Choosing a Song
The song that you choose must be from your decade.
This song must show a relation to the time period.
It must be appropriate to present in school.
There will be no swearing in the song, no exceptions.
Your song must be approved by the teacher.
You must have a written copy of the song lyrics.Tips on Song Analysis
You need to present the meaning of your song and connect it to your decade.
Give three examples, actual lines from the song, that support your analysis.
Oral Presentation of Song
These are the criteria you must meet when presenting your song.
* Have all necessary materials – song, lyrics on overhead, analysis, interview,
*Introduce song and singer
*Play song – students will follow on overhead
*Share analysis
*Share 3 categories
Non-verbal characteristics
*Voice
*Eye contact
