This guided inquiry lesson teaches how art and music have historically been used to share important messages and inspire communities. Using primary sources, such as War Song Medley and Lyrics and the Liberty Arming the Patriot sculpture from the Library of Congress, students explore how these forms of expression evoke feelings and tell stories. Students will explore and express ideas they care about, learning the value of their voices in making a difference. A short reflection will help them connect their creations to the broader role of art and music in communication. The lesson emphasizes creativity, history, and the power of expression.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
When have Americans made their voices heard?
Standards
D2.Civ.10.K-2: Compare their own point of view with others to understand the importance of diverse voices.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins by discussing how people share important messages without speaking—through art, music, or symbols—and how these forms of expression can make us feel. Students then explore two sources that convey powerful messages. Working in pairs, students will reflect on their thoughts and reactions as they analyze these primary sources. The class first listens to Source A (war medley), and using the teacher’s guide for music from the Library of Congress, students explore the guiding questions in their partnerships. The teacher prompts, “What feelings might this song create?” Students listen carefully, possibly more than once, and the teacher provides lyrics and vocabulary support as needed. After listening, pairs complete the Observe-Reflect-Question organizer from the Library of Congress and share their responses with the class, discussing how the song’s message impacts them. Next, students examine Source B (the sculpture). Using the teacher’s guide for pictures, students again discuss the guiding questions in pairs. The teacher asks, “What story do you think this sculpture tells?” Students return to their organizer to note their ideas and then share their thoughts with the class. As an option extension, students produce their own literary or visual art piece that conveys a message about the Civil War.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Students collaborate with a partner around an art piece that conveys the American voice during the Civil War.
DELIBERATE: Students generate and test hypotheses they have about the sources.
PRODUCE I EXTENSION: Students create a piece of art or poetry that extends that conveys a powerful message of the Civil War..
Sources
Source A: George Root, "The Battle Cry of Freedom" lyrics, American Battlefield Trust
Source B: Liberty Arming the Patriot sculpture, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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