Defining a Generation
Grades: 9-12
Class: US History (Current Events)
Music has been defining generations for years. The 1950’s were defined by the soulful jazz of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bing Crosby. The 19960’s were defined by “Beetle Mania� and the King himself Elvis Presley. The 1970’s was all about the “hippie rock� of bands like The Who, Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin. The 1980’s were defined by the music stylings of Madonna, Prince and Michael Jackson.
Activity:
In groups of 3-4 have students discuss what genre of music and individual artists/bands defines the 2000’s decade. Tell the groups that they must come to a consensus when it comes to their decision. When groups are finished they need to write down what they have come up with and a ½ page explanation of why they chose the genre/artists they did.
After all groups are finished, have each group share what they came up with (they should give the genre/artists that they nominated and their explanation). As students are sharing write their nominations on the board. After all groups have shared challenge the class to look at what everyone has come up with and come to another consensus as a class as to what is the final music that defines the 2000’s generation.
If there is time left in the period, give each student a ½ sheet of paper and have them write a personal refection about the music that was chosen by the class to define their generation. How did the final decision differ from the one their small group cam up with?