Tipsheet: Dance and Historical Events
Dance helps students better understand the far-reaching impact of historical events on many areas of a nation’s life
Dance, History

Lesson: Who Can Vote for President?
In this lesson, students will learn general facts about the voting process and its importance in a democratic form of government.
America, History

Lesson: Dalí & Desnos
In this lesson, students will enhance their creative writing skills and develop their individual writing voices through surrealist techniques.
History, Visual Arts

Lesson: Deep Roots of Ancient Greece
This lesson examines specific areas of ancient Greek influence on Western thought and culture.
Greece, History

Lesson: Pioneer America: Pioneer Living
In this lesson, students will learn about what life was like for early American pioneers.
America, History

Arts Quotes: Sir Winston Churchill
"We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us."
Architecture, History

Arts Quotes: Marcus Aurelius
"Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself."
History, Europe

Arts Days: June 15, 1560 : A Motley Fool
When you’re the guy charged with making the King of England laugh, you’d better bring your A-game to work every day (the king was known for ordering jail time or even execution for pals, servants, and wives who displeased him).

Jester William Sommers evidently knew how to tickle the king’s funny bone by entertaining him with jokes, stunts, and gossip. The court jester’s role was part stand-up comedian, part confidante; a good “fool” could also share bad news with the monarch that no one dared to for fear of being punished. It’s believed that Sommers had, by royal decree, a lot of leeway with Henry VIII. You see, he might be performing a skit for the king, but would tuck in a useful tidbit, sometimes in the form of a riddle, about something going on behind the king’s back.
Comedy, History

The Story Behind The Song: We Shall Overcome
In this story, find out how a song helped steel the courage of African Americans as they struggled for civil rights
America, History, Music, Presidents

The Story Behind The Song: Brother Can You Spare a Dime?
When Americans were humbled by the Great Depression, this song gave voice to their fears and feelings of loss
History, Music, America

The Story Behind The Song: The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Discover how Julia Howe’s hymn helped inspire the North in its fight to reunite the country and free African-American slaves
History, Music, America, Military

The Story Behind The Song: God Bless America
In 1938, composer Irving Berlin dusted off an old piece of music to create a new national hit
America, History, Music

Article: Perfect Harmony: Singing the Love
Nothing sings romance like a love song. And people have been singing them for thousands of years.
Music, Literature, History

Article: Process Drama: Taking a Walk in Someone Else's Shoes
Process drama is an imaginative tool for non-arts teachers and students to explore issues and solve problems
Education, History, Theater

Lesson: Civil War Letters
Using letters written during the Civil War students develop an understanding of the message of the letters. They will create a dramatic reading based on their letter.
America, History, Theater

Lesson: Civil War Music
Learn how music was used in the Civil War.
America, History, Music

Lesson: US Presidential Election Process and the Campaign Trail
Students will create an original political campaign song for a fictional presidential candidate.
Presidents, America, History

Lesson: A Light in the Storm: A Personal Look at the Civil War
Create a historical timeline and personal event timeline based on the historical fiction book and play A Light in the Storm and its main character, Amelia Martin.
America, History, Literature, Theater

Lesson: Inspired by Muses, Graces and Fates
Muses of ancient Greece inspired poets, playwrights, dancers, actors, musicians, and scientists. Graces added life to a party and the Fates determined a life’s destiny.
Greece, History, Theater, World Cultures

Lesson: Noh Theater
In learning about the history, theatrical elements, music, dance, and costuming, of Noh Plays students are also comparing and contrasting these to the other theater elements
Asia, Folklore, History, Theater

Lesson: Historic Heroes
The class will break into groups and write a working definition of a hero which they will present to the class.
History, Folklore, World Cultures

Lesson: Five Artists of the Mexican Revolution
Much of Mexican art at the beginning of the 20th century was influenced by or created in response to historical events.
Folklore, History, World Cultures

Lesson: Understanding Tenement Life
Through online stories and photographs, students will explore what daily life was like for the millions of poor Irish, German, Jewish, and Italian immigrants.
America, History, World Cultures

Lesson: Pioneer America: Legendary Westerners
In this lesson, students will work in pairs to research legendary westerners.
America, Folklore, History

Lesson: Pioneer America: Journey West
In this lesson, students will learn about the early pioneers in America and their motivations for moving West.
America, Geography, History