History Explorer Results (34)
Related Books (11)
Resource Type(s):
Artifacts
In the fictional universe of George Lucas' Star Wars films, robots called droids (short for android) come in many shapes and serve many purposes. Two droids-R2-D2 and C-3PO-have won enormous popularity for their supporting roles in all six of the series. In the collections of the museum are costu
Resource Type(s):
Artifacts
In the fictional universe of George Lucas' Star Wars films, robots called droids (short for android) come in many shapes and serve many purposes. Two droids--R2-D2 and C-3PO--have won enormous popularity for their supporting roles in all six of the series. In the collections of the museum are cos
Resource Type(s):
Reviewed Websites
Learn more about Hispanic Heritage by exploring different topics through American stamps such as: Hispanic Contributions to the Americas, Explorers, Settlement of the Southwest, Historic Architecture, Liberators and Heroes, International Cooperation, Reformers, Music, Arts, Dance, Entertainment,
Resource Type(s):
Artifacts
This Sony "Walkman" portable tape player dates from the early 1980s. Originally introduced in 1979 as the “Soundabout,” two people could listen simultaneously while a small microphone permitted them to converse without removing their headsets. Powered by a 9-volt battery, the recorder sold we
Resource Type(s):
Artifacts
Before 1954, so-called portable radio receivers used vacuum tubes to receive and amplify signals. The large batteries needed to power most tubes made radios large and heavy. Receivers built with subminiature tubes existed but were expensive. The invention of transistors in 1947 allowed engineers
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
Resource Type(s):
Artifacts, Primary Sources
Born in New Orleans in 1901, jazz musician Louis Armstrong (d. 1971)was known for his distinctive trumpet-playing and vocal style. He often improvised jazz riffs using his voice rather than his instrument, “scatting” notes and melodies rather than singing actual words. Armstrong transformed t
Reading Level:
Early Elementary School
An illustrated picture book of Ella Fitzgerald’s rendition of the nursery rhyme. Cut paper, mixed media and computer techniques form the city-scape backgrounds.
Reading Level:
Late Elementary School,Middle School,High School
An overview of jazz from its African origins through to hip-hop. Each two-page section includes a prose poem, a historical timeline, and a painting.
Reading Level:
High School
A compilation of stories, interviews, biographies, and other sources and organized them by general topics (importance of a good nickname, stage fright, etc).
Author:
Carole Boston Weatherford
Reading Level:
Pre-School,Early Elementary School
Young children tap their feet, clap the beat, and are introduced to the rhythm of jazz as they read or listen to this story told in rhyme.
Reading Level:
High School
A look at how jazz is history and its history key to the development of American culture since the early 1900s, and the role of the arts in history.
Reading Level:
Early Elementary School
A story of Miles Davis as a teenager searching for Charlie Parker in New York City.
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.
Reading Level:
Early Elementary School,Late Elementary School
This picture book tells a historical fiction story about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League formed during World War II.
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.