America

Discover the multicultural heritage and history of America through explorations of immigrant life, the lives of legendary pioneers like Lewis and Clark, the modern political system, and significant works of American music, including our National Anthem.

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Unpacking our National Anthem

Examine the history of “The Star-Spangled Banner"

Audio Series

Gulf Coast Highway

The music of the Gulf Coast provides a microcosm of the cultural diversity and richness of the United States. Hear the music and the experience of the musicians as Artsedge takes you from Houston, Texas to Jacksonville, Florida, on a musical road trip across US-90.

Audio Series

Musical Theater in America

Through examples of the best that Broadway musicals have to offer, explore the history of musical theater in America; its structure and elements of a musical; musical theater's role in making social commentary, and its legacy.

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The Story Behind The Song

Discover how history is full of surprising stories of people doing amazing things

Master + Work

Dorothea Lange and Migrant Mother

See how Lange used her camera to tell the story of Depression-era Americans

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Oh, Say Can You See…

Students will learn about the history behind the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

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Tolerance: Comparing Cultural Holidays

Compare the artistic and cultural traditions of the U.S. celebration of Halloween and Mexico's Day of the Dead.

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America, A Home for Every Culture

Explore the cultures that have contributed to making the United States the unique and diverse country it is today

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Immigrating to America

Students will learn what it was like for new immigrants to come through Ellis Island—a symbolic heart of American immigration—at the turn of the 20th century.

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A Lens Into the Past

Students will gain a deeper understanding of the early 20th century American immigrant experience through photography and create their own photo collection for students of the future.

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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.

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Migrant Workers Through the Lens of Dorothea Lange

Understanding the environmental and social impact of the Great Depression

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Pioneer America: Journey West

In this lesson, students will learn about the early pioneers in America and their motivations for moving West.

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Pioneer America: Legendary Westerners

In this lesson, students will work in pairs to research legendary westerners.

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Pioneer America: Pioneer Living

In this lesson, students will learn about what life was like for early American pioneers.

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Lewis and Clark: Artful Recordings

In this lesson, students take on the roles of Lewis and Clark, as they explore the original journals and create journals of their own.

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Lewis And Clark Prized Possessions

In this lesson, students explore Native American crafts and design and create their own wampum belts.

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Swing Your Partner: The Basics of Square Dancing

This lesson will introduce students to the history of square dancing as well as provide an opportunity to learn some basic steps and formations.

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US Presidential Election Process and the Campaign Trail

Students will create an original political campaign song for a fictional presidential candidate.

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Political Cartoons as Part of the Election Process

Students will organize the information they researched on the U.S. presidential election process and constitutional rights.

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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.

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Discovering National Parks

Learn about the history of America's national parks, and about the role that artists played in their creation and maintenance

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An American Scene Painter

Students learn about American artist Charles Burchfield. Students capture information and sketches in a journal, then use these ideas to create an original watercolor.

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Arts of the Gilded Age

Learn about and discuss characteristics of the Gilded Age. Using books, internet and other media, research the various fine and performing art forms popular during that time period.

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