History Explorer Results (25)
Related Books (22)
Resource Type(s):
Lessons & Activities
In honor of America's entry into "The War to End All Wars" in 1917, World War I: Lessons and Legacies explores the war and its lasting impact and far-reaching influence on American life. From the Great Migration to the 1918 flu pandemic and from the unionizat
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Lessons & Activities
In honor of America's entry into "The War to End All Wars" in 1917, World War I: Lessons and Legacies explores the war and its lasting impact and far-reaching influence on American life. From the Great Migration to the 1918 flu pandemic and from the unionizat
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media
Hear Smithsonian staff members discuss jazz, the jazz collection, and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Though not as well-known as figures such as Duke Ellington or Ella Fitzgerald, John Levy made significant contributions to jazz music, both as a bassist and as the first black personal manager in jazz. In this episode of History Explorer, Sarah Coffee interviews Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orche
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
Introduce students to using oral histories as primary sources with these interviews with jazz musicians recorded by the Smithsonian Jazz Oral History Program in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities. The resource includes a guide for teachers and links to oral histories, and
Resource Type(s):
Primary Sources, Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities, Worksheets
In this lesson, students will learn about the Jim Crow era in American history through an oral history interview with jazz legend John Levy. The resource set includes photographs and newspaper clippings in addition to the oral history excerpts, a teacher guide, and a student worksheet.
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media
In this episode of the History Explorer podcast series, Ken Kimery, executive director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, discusses the importance of the Jazz Oral History Project. Ken explains the history of the program and its importance, as well as gives some tips about how to cond
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Worksheets
Special summer edition: Going on a road trip? Along the way, listen to this special edition of the History Explorer podcast series. It’s a compilation of some newer and older podcasts around the theme of perhaps the most common car ride entertainment—music.
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities
This kit of guided listening activities and streaming music offers an engaging way of introducing students to jazz. It traces Louis Armstrong's career as a musician, from influences in African rhythms and New Orleans marches through performances in the 1960's and 70's. It could also be used as an
Resource Type(s):
Interactives & Media, Lessons & Activities
Explore jazz through listening activities, interviews with musicians, and background information on SmithsonianJazz.org. Prominently featured on this site are two suites of learning activities: one focusing on Duke Ellington for elementary students and one focusing on Louis Armstrong for middle a
Reading Level:
Late Elementary School
Written in the art form Hughes cherished most, this biography in verse captures glimpses of the poet's world through his voice as author-poet Tony Medina imagines it.
Reading Level:
Late Elementary School,Middle School,High School
This biography follows the career and life of Miles Davis:from his childhood to adulthood and his musical growth along the way.
Reading Level:
Early Elementary School
Tells the story of Benny Goodman growing up in Chicago, and how his family helped him fufill his dream to play the clarinet.
Author:
Sherry Ayazi-Hashjin
Reading Level:
Middle School
The author traces rap and hip-hop back to African music roots (drumming and the griot) to America and the blues, spirituals, and jazz.
Author:
Sharon Bell Mathis
Reading Level:
Late Elementary School
This illustrated biography tells the story of Ray Charles from his childhood to age 4. It captures Ray’s feelings along his way to stardom.
Reading Level:
Late Elementary School,Middle School,High School
All grades benefit from this book about visual artist Romare Bearden who created a “visual definition of jazz.” with his blues and jazz themes.
Reading Level:
Pre-School,Early Elementary School
Three little bears receive musical instruments for their birthday and learn to play them.
Reading Level:
Middle School,High School
An anthology of poetry from the Harlem Renaissance.
Reading Level:
Late Elementary School
A personal account of the Jazz Age, the Harlem Renaissance, the Savoy Ballroom, and Whitey's Lindy Hoppers, through the eyes of Norman Miller.
Reading Level:
High School
Traces the history of the blues from its African roots through the 90s, with a focus on key artists ranging from Louis Armstrong to Muddy Waters and B.B. King.