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Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Activities
Musical Montage Mixer - Kick off the project by analyzing a selection of songs from various historical periods to discuss how they convey political and philosophical ideas (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Initial Song Outline: Students will submit a basic outline of their song, including the historical themes they intend to incorporate and initial lyric ideas.
Preparation 1. Create a playlist of historically significant songs that convey political or philosophical messages for the Musical Montage Mixer.
2. Gather resources on classical philosophy, natural rights philosophy, and English common law for student research, such as articles, videos, and primary sources.
3. Prepare a songwriting guide that includes tips on structure, rhyme schemes, and integrating historical content into lyrics.
4. Set up a collaborative online platform where students can share resources and collaborate on song drafts.
Week 2
Day 2
Activities
Exploration of Classical Philosophy - Students will research and discuss key concepts of civic virtue from Greek and Roman foundations, identifying their influence on American governance (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Draft lyrics of the song that incorporate historical influences (classical philosophy, natural rights philosophy, English common law).
2. Outline for the first podcast episode including selected historical figure/event and key discussion points.
Preparation 1. Prepare a list of songs from various historical periods with rich political and philosophical themes for analysis.
2. Gather resources on songwriting techniques and historical content related to the American Founders and relevant philosophies.
3. Set up access to recording software and ensure all students have necessary equipment and materials for audio editing.
4. Create a schedule for individual student-teacher conferencing sessions, ensuring each student has ample time for feedback.
Week 3
Day 3
Activities
Introduction to Natural Rights Philosophy - Students explore the ideas of Hobbes, Locke, and Montesquieu, discussing their impact on American governance (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Initial draft of song lyrics incorporating historical events and philosophies
2. List of selected sound effects and music samples for the podcast
Preparation 1. Compile a list of resources and examples of parody songs and original songs that effectively convey political ideas for students to analyze.
2. Prepare a brainstorming worksheet to guide students in identifying key historical events and philosophies to include in their songs.
3. Set up a digital platform or shared folder for students to share and receive peer feedback on their song drafts.
4. Ensure access to sound editing software or applications for students to experiment with sound effects and music for their podcasts.
Week 4
Day 4
Activities
Podcast Planning Workshop - Students brainstorm and outline podcast episode topics focusing on historical figures and events that influenced American governance, detailing interview questions and sound effects (20 min)
Songwriting Continuation - Students refine their song drafts by incorporating feedback from peers and ensuring historical accuracy in their lyrics (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Draft of Song Lyrics: Students will submit the first draft of their song lyrics, demonstrating their ability to incorporate historical events and philosophies creatively.
2. Podcast Episode Outline: Students will submit an outline for their upcoming podcast episode, detailing the historical figure/event to be covered, the structure, and planned elements like interviews and sound effects.
Preparation 1. Gather a selection of musical instruments and recording equipment to facilitate the songwriting workshop.
2. Provide access to online resources or library materials about Enlightenment thinkers, Magna Carta, and the English Bill of Rights for reference during lyric drafting.
3. Create a rubric for peer review sessions, highlighting criteria for historical accuracy, creativity, and musical elements.
4. Set up individual conferencing schedules and prepare feedback forms to guide discussions with students.
Week 5
Day 5
Activities
Podcast Production Session - Students record their podcast episodes, incorporating interviews and sound effects that explore historical figures influencing American governance (25 min)
Song Rehearsal - Students practice performing their songs, focusing on integrating historical influences into their lyrics and music (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Revised Song Draft: Each student will submit a revised draft of their song lyrics, incorporating peer feedback and ensuring historical accuracy.
2. Visual Timeline Draft: Students will submit an initial draft of their visual timeline, highlighting key historical events and their connections to American governance.
3. Podcast Episode Outline: Students will complete an outline for their next podcast episode, including chosen topics, interview questions, and planned sound effects.
Preparation 1. Gather and Prepare Feedback Forms: Create feedback forms for students to use during the peer review session to ensure constructive and focused feedback.
2. Timeline Materials: Provide materials such as large poster boards, markers, and historical reference materials for the visual timeline workshop.
3. Podcast Equipment Setup: Ensure that podcast recording equipment, such as microphones and audio software, is available and functioning for students to use.
4. Reserve Recording Space: Secure a quiet space for students to practice and record their revised songs.
Week 6
Day 6
Activities
Peer Review Session - Students present their song drafts to classmates who provide constructive feedback to refine historical connections and lyrical clarity (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Refined song lyrics incorporating historical influences and philosophies, ready for performance or recording.
2. Completed rough cut of podcast episode featuring interviews and sound effects, exploring a specific historical figure or event that influenced American governance.
Preparation 1. Provide access to recording equipment for both podcasts and song performances.
2. Organize a peer review session where students share their song drafts and receive constructive feedback from classmates.
3. Facilitate individual conferencing sessions with students to discuss progress and offer suggestions for improving historical connections and musical elements.
4. Ensure availability of audio editing software for refining podcast episodes.
5. Compile a list of historical figures and events for students to research and incorporate into their podcasts, ensuring coverage of classical philosophy, natural rights philosophy, and English common law.
Week 7
Day 7
Activities
Song Recording Session - Students record their songs, focusing on clarity and expression of historical connections through lyrics (25 min)
Podcast Editing Workshop - Students edit their podcast episodes, ensuring clear narration and seamless integration of sound effects (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Recorded song performance with creative visuals showcasing historical influences.
2. Finalized podcast episode featuring interviews, sound effects, and music.
3. Updated visual timeline illustrating historical connections to American government.
Preparation 1. Ensure access to recording equipment and software for capturing high-quality audio and video during students' song performances.
2. Provide resources such as historical images, video clips, and sound effects for students to incorporate into their creative visuals and podcast episodes.
3. Prepare guidelines for peer review sessions, including criteria for providing constructive feedback and questions to stimulate discussion about historical connections.
4. Set up a workspace with computers and audio editing software for students to finalize their podcast episodes and ensure technical support is available.
Week 8
Day 8
Activities
Final Podcast Review - Students listen to and provide constructive feedback on each other's podcast episodes, focusing on historical accuracy and audio quality (20 min)
Song Video Finalization - Students finalize their music videos, ensuring that visuals effectively convey historical connections and enhance their song's message (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Final recorded song performance with creative visuals
2. Completed visual timeline connecting historical events to American government development
3. Final podcast episode exploring a historical figure or event
Preparation 1. Secure a venue or platform for the 'History Music Video Premiere' event, ensuring access to necessary audio/visual equipment
2. Gather materials for event setup, including decorations, seating arrangements, and any required technology
3. Prepare a schedule and program for the event, detailing the order of performances and presentations
4. Ensure students have access to editing software and equipment to finalize their song recordings and podcasts
5. Coordinate with school staff and community members to invite an audience for the exhibition