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9th Grade
- Project
- 4 weeks
"Verse and Vinyl: Style Unleashed!"
Purpose
In the first two weeks, students will delve into the core content of poetry and argumentative essays, researching different genres and exploring how personal experiences and cultural influences shape individual styles. This project invites students to express their unique styles through the creation of a poetry and music album. By blending personal experiences with cultural influences, students will engage in a creative process that involves songwriting, poetry writing, and album production. Through collaboration with local musicians and hands-on experiences at Eagles Theatre, students will gain real-world insights into the music industry. The culmination of this project will be an exhibition where students present their albums to parents, musicians, and the community, showcasing their artistic journey and individual styles.
Learning goals
During the first two weeks, students will delve into poetry styles and songwriting techniques, focusing on how personal and cultural influences shape creative expression. They will research music genres and analyze their impact on style and narrative, honing their argumentative writing skills. In the following weeks, students will craft poems and songs, refining their work through critique and revision, leading to the creation of a recorded album. The project will culminate in an exhibition where students will present their artistic styles and influences.
Standards
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.5: Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure a text, order events within it, and manipulate time create effects such as mystery, tension, or surprise.
- Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
Products
Over the first two weeks, students will explore core content by researching different genres and writing argumentative essays on their findings. They will then create a collaborative album featuring original songs and poems, complete with a custom-designed cover. Throughout the project, they will maintain a songwriting workbook that includes daily reflections, drafts, and revisions. This workbook will serve as a personal portfolio showcasing their creative journey and growth in understanding different genres and styles. The final album, along with the workbooks, will be presented at an exhibition attended by parents, local musicians, and community partners, highlighting the students' unique styles and cultural influences.
Launch
Begin the project with an immersive visit to Eagles Theatre to explore the recording studio, offering students a firsthand look at the music production process. Follow this with a trip to a local record shop to research and analyze various musical genres, integrating core content in poetry and argumentative essays during the first two weeks. Engage students in creating a song using AI tools to inspire creativity and innovation. These experiences will prompt students to reflect on how personal experiences and cultural influences shape their unique style in creative expression.
Exhibition
Students will host a live showcase event at Eagles Theatre, where they will present their complete albums, including both the recorded songs and the poetry that inspired them. Parents, local musicians, and community partners will be invited to attend, providing a real-world audience for students to share their creative work. The event will feature live performances of selected songs, readings of poems, and a gallery-style display of album covers and songwriters' workbooks. This exhibition will allow students to engage with their community and receive feedback from a diverse audience, exploring the essential question: How do personal experiences and cultural influences shape an individual's unique style in creative expression?
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
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| Activities |
Project Introduction and Essential Question Exploration - Introduce the project by discussing the essential question: 'How do personal experiences and cultural influences shape an individual's unique style in creative expression?' and outline the project goals and expectations (15 min)
Eagles Theatre Visit Planning - Plan for the upcoming visit to Eagles Theatre by discussing expectations, what to observe, and how it relates to the project goals (15 min)
Personal Style Reflection Journal - Begin a personal style reflection journal in songwriting workbooks, where students write about their unique style and influences (15 min)
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Introduction to Poetry and Music Genres - Explore different poetry styles and music genres, highlighting their cultural and historical contexts (20 min)
AI Song Creation Introduction - Introduce AI tools for song creation and discuss how technology influences music production (15 min)
Daily Reflection - Reflect on the day's activities in songwriting workbooks, focusing on new insights about poetry and music genres (10 min)
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Eagles Theatre Visit - Conduct the planned visit to Eagles Theatre, providing students with a firsthand experience of a recording studio and music production (45 min)
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Record Shop Visit - Visit a local record shop to research various musical genres, analyzing album covers and artistic styles (30 min)
Genre Research and Argumentative Essay Introduction - Begin researching a chosen genre and planning an argumentative essay on its cultural impact (15 min)
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Poetry Workshop - Conduct a poetry workshop to analyze different styles and techniques, encouraging students to experiment with their own poetic voices (25 min)
AI Songwriting Practice - Practice using AI tools to create a simple song, focusing on how technology can enhance creativity (15 min)
Weekly Reflection - Reflect on the week's experiences and insights in songwriting workbooks, summarizing personal and cultural influences discovered (5 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Songwriting journal entry documenting reflections from Eagles Theatre visit and record shop exploration.
2. Draft of a short poem reflecting personal style. 3. Outline of argumentative essay on music genres. |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange transportation and permissions for Eagles Theatre visit and record shop tour.
2. Coordinate with local musicians and Eagles Theatre staff for Q&A session. 3. Provide songwriting journals for student reflections. 4. Prepare resources on poetry styles and AI songwriting tools. 5. Organize research materials on music genres for student use. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Exploring Poetry Styles - Analyze and discuss different poetry styles focusing on structure and expression to understand how they influence personal style (20 min)
Songwriting Techniques Workshop - Introduce songwriting techniques and explore how they relate to poetry, encouraging students to begin drafting a poem or song (25 min)
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Argumentative Essay Development - Research musical genres for argumentative essay, highlighting how personal and cultural experiences influence style (25 min)
Genre Analysis Reflection - Reflect on research findings in a songwriting journal, focusing on the impact of genres on creative expression (20 min)
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Poetry Workshop and Feedback - Share drafts in small groups, provide peer feedback, and revise poems based on critique (30 min)
AI Song Creation - Use AI tools to create a song, exploring innovative ways to blend personal style with technology (15 min)
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Expanding Argumentative Essay - Develop arguments on how specific genres influence style, integrating personal insights and cultural context (30 min)
Daily Journal Reflection - Reflect on progress in songwriting and poetry, and document insights and revisions in the songwriting book (15 min)
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Integration of Poetry and Music - Begin integrating poems with music for album creation, focusing on harmonizing lyrical content with sound (25 min)
Songwriters Workbook Update - Update the workbook with revised drafts, reflections, and notes from the week's activities (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Completion of a draft argumentative essay on the influence of music genres on poetic style.
2. Revised poems that reflect peer and teacher feedback. 3. A collaborative AI-generated music piece. |
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| Preparation |
1. Secure access to poetry workshop materials and resources.
2. Compile a list of diverse music genres along with historical and cultural background information. 3. Prepare a guide for writing argumentative essays, including structure and key points. 4. Organize AI music creation tools and provide a tutorial for students on how to use them. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Poetry and Songwriting Fusion - Integrate poetic techniques into songwriting, encouraging students to blend lyrical expression with musical composition (20 min)
Personal Style Analysis - Analyze personal influences and experiences, using insights to refine individual styles in both poetry and music (20 min)
Reflection Journal Entry - Reflect on the fusion of poetry and songwriting in journals, focusing on the development of unique styles (5 min)
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Collaborative Songwriting Session - Work in pairs to draft collaborative songs, utilizing AI tools to enhance creativity and explore diverse genres (30 min)
Peer Feedback Exchange - Share drafts with peers for constructive feedback, emphasizing how personal and cultural influences shape style (10 min)
Daily Reflection - Reflect on collaborative experiences and feedback received in journals, noting areas for improvement and innovation (5 min)
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Song and Poem Revision Workshop - Revise songs and poems using peer feedback, focusing on clarity, style, and cultural expression (25 min)
Album Cover Design Introduction - Begin designing album covers, exploring visual styles that reflect musical and poetic themes (15 min)
Reflection Journal Entry - Document the revision process and cover design ideas in journals, linking artistic choices to personal style (5 min)
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Final Song and Poem Polishing - Polish songs and poems for the album, ensuring alignment with personal style and project goals (25 min)
Album Cover Design Completion - Complete album cover designs, incorporating personal and cultural elements that enhance visual appeal (15 min)
Daily Reflection - Reflect on the finalization of songs, poems, and album covers in journals, summarizing personal growth and style evolution (5 min)
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Mock Exhibition Preparation - Prepare for the upcoming exhibition by rehearsing presentations and refining song performances (25 min)
Critique and Feedback Session - Engage in a critique session with peers and mentors, focusing on presentation style and audience engagement (15 min)
Weekly Reflection - Reflect on the week's accomplishments and preparations for the exhibition in journals, setting goals for final week adjustments (5 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Revised poems ready for inclusion in the album.
2. Draft versions of original songs, incorporating AI-generated sounds. 3. Completed album cover designs reflecting individual style and project themes. 4. Daily entries in songwriting journals detailing progress and reflections. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for the poetry workshop, including feedback templates and examples of diverse poetic styles.
2. Set up AI tools and music software for students to experiment with song production. 3. Provide art supplies and digital tools for album cover design. 4. Prepare guidelines for daily journal reflections, focusing on creativity, style, and influences. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Album Content Review - Conduct a peer review session where students present their album drafts, including poems and songs, to receive feedback for final revisions (25 min)
Album Cover Design Refinement - Collaborate to finalize the album cover design, ensuring it reflects the themes and styles explored in the project (20 min)
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Recording Studio Preparation - Finalize and rehearse selected songs and poems for recording sessions at Eagles Theatre, focusing on performance quality and expression (30 min)
Daily Reflection - Document insights and final preparations for the recording studio in songwriting workbooks (15 min)
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Eagles Theatre Recording Session - Record final versions of selected songs and poems at Eagles Theatre, applying learned techniques and feedback to enhance production quality (45 min)
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Exhibition Planning - Plan the exhibition event, assigning roles, finalizing the presentation order, and coordinating logistics with community partners (25 min)
Reflection and Workbook Completion - Reflect on the recording experience and complete the songwriting workbook with final thoughts and insights (20 min)
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Exhibition Event Setup - Prepare the exhibition venue at Eagles Theatre, setting up displays, sound equipment, and welcoming guests (20 min)
Live Exhibition - Host the live exhibition where students present their albums, perform selected pieces, and engage with the audience, highlighting personal and cultural influences in their work (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Final revised versions of poems and songs
2. Recorded album including both songs and poems 3. Custom-designed album cover 4. Completed songwriter's workbook 5. Exhibition-ready presentation and setup |
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| Preparation |
1. Ensure access to recording equipment and space at Eagles Theatre
2. Coordinate with local musicians for collaboration during recording sessions 3. Provide materials for album cover design (e.g., art supplies, design software) 4. Set up exhibition space at Eagles Theatre, including audio equipment for playback 5. Plan logistics for inviting parents, local musicians, and community partners to the exhibition |
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