Last updated: March 15, 2023
Lesson Plan
Unforgettable Music
- Grade Level:
- Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 60 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- 4.L.3, 4.L.5.a, 5.L.5.a, 8.L.1.d, 9-10.L.5.a, 11-12.L.5, 4.RF.4.b, 5.RF.4.b, 11-12.RH.6, 4.RL.2, 5.RL.7, 7.RL.7, 8.SL.5
Essential Question
How does music inspire us to learn about special places and stories?
Objective
Students will discuss and analyze music videos and lyrics.
Background
A local music teacher produced three music videos at the request of the park to help engage students. These short, catchy videos are hooks, attention grabbers, and more. They can help introduce the students to the parks, and to the many resources and stories that the sites have connections to.
Many of the park's lesson plans link to these videos, but this lesson plan hosts the lyrics. Consider using the music and lyrics to host a larger discussion around how music can inspire us to want to learn and know more.
Preparation
Before sharing with students, watch the three music videos and decide which one is the most appropriate for your class. Prepare to share lyrics digitally or print.
Castillo de San Marcos: Where History Comes Alive
A memorable tune with many different shots of the fort to introduce to reinforce to students that
Bittersweet History
A memorable tune with many different shots of the fort to introduce to reinforce to students that
Bittersweet History
A music video intended for older middle and high school audiences to explore St. Augustine's rich and complicated history.
The Many Faces of Fort Matanzas
A fast-paced song that lists off many of the plants and animals that call the park their home.
Materials
Download Lyrics to Where History Comes Alive
Download Lyrics to Bittersweet History
Download Lyrics to The Many Faces of Fort Matanzas
Procedure
Open with a discussion around how media can engage people with places and stories. Are there memorable songs that inspire them to learn, remember, or care about different concepts or experiences?
As a class or as individuals, watch the music video without lyrics. Then read and review the associated music lyrics. Then watch the music video again with the lyrics on hand.
In pairs, students should share two ideas from the music videos that grabbed their attention and explain why.
As a follow-up, students should complete a K-W-L chart based on the song. Have them first identify what they already Know in the first column and what they Want to know more about in the second column. Then give them access to printed or digital material to research it and complete the last column, what they Learned.
As a ticket out the door, have them share something they'd like a new music video to be created about.
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