Goals:

1.  Create a song to promote the saving of the coral reefs.

2.  Work in groups effectively.

Materials:

Various song melodies from familiar songs.

An example of a song to promote the saving of coral reefs.

Time:

It will take about 1-2 hours to create the song and perform for the class.

Procedure:

1.  A class discussion should be held to discover some of the ways we could preserve the coral reefs around the world.

2.  Next, brainstorm some familiar songs that the students know. Any song will do, but be careful about the ones the students choose.

3.  Divide the students up into groups and have them choose a song familiar to them.

4.  From this song, the students will create new words to go along with the melody, based on the topic of saving the coral reefs.

5.  Students will make actions to go along with each of their songs. Props may also be an option in this process.

6.  Students will then perform their song for the entire class.

Assessment:

1.  Students will be assessed on group work and how well they perform in the group. (Criteria for success = Students receive 8 out of 10 checks on the Group Contribution Scoring Sheet.)

2.  Students must hand in a copy of their song. (Criteria for success = Students must come up with two versus to receive 20 points.)

Curricular Strands and Major Concepts:

1.  Language Arts - Creating lyrics to go along with their favorite song.

2.  Music - Using a well known song to create lyrics involving the preservation of coral reefs.

3.  Science- Learning what one can do environmentally to save our coral reefs.

Possible Extensions:

1.  Instead of a song, have the students write a poem about saving the coral reefs.

2.  Create a song to promote Earth Day.

3.  Students will create their own musical instruments or use instruments provided for them to play while they sing their songs.

Back to Table of Contents

Coral Reefs - developed by Kristen Treadway, Jenny Mavis, T.J. Beck, & Jim O'Keefe

This page submitted by St. Norbert College Ocean Voyager Program

Ý