Exploring American History Through 'Hamilton' the Musical
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Exploring American History Through 'Hamilton' the Musical

Grade 8Social StudiesHistory5 days
This project leverages Lin Manuel Miranda's musical "Hamilton" as a tool to explore American history with 8th-grade students. By comparing the musical's portrayal of Alexander Hamilton and other Founding Fathers with traditional historical narratives, students investigate the impact of storytelling on historical interpretation. Through activities such as creating rap verses, analyzing songs, and constructing timelines, students engage critically and creatively, enhancing their understanding of the complexities in America's founding. This interdisciplinary project connects social studies and music, fostering skills in critical analysis, creative expression, and historical contextualization.
Project-Based LearningAmerican HistoryHamilton MusicalCreative ExpressionHistorical AnalysisMusic Interpretation
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can examining the musical "Hamilton" alongside traditional historical accounts help us understand the complexities of founding America and influence our perception of historical narratives?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How does the portrayal of historical figures in "Hamilton" relate to or differ from what you've learned in traditional American history?
  • What impact did key events in Hamilton's life have on the founding of America?
  • How does Lin Manuel Miranda use artistic elements like lyrics and music to convey historical events and themes?
  • In what ways can a modern musical like "Hamilton" influence our understanding of historical narratives and figures from the past?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Students will be able to analyze the portrayal of Alexander Hamilton in the musical "Hamilton" and compare it to traditional historical accounts.
  • Students will understand the impact of key events in Alexander Hamilton's life on the founding of America.
  • Students will explore how artistic elements in "Hamilton" convey historical events and themes.
  • Students will evaluate how modern interpretations like "Hamilton" can shape perceptions of historical narratives and figures.

C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards

D2.His.1.6-8
Primary
Analyze connections among events and developments in broader historical contexts.Reason: Students will analyze how events in Hamilton's life affected the founding of America and the historical context portrayed in the musical.
D2.His.14.6-8
Secondary
Explain multiple causes and effects of events and developments in the past.Reason: Students will look at various causes and effects in Hamilton's life and their significance in history.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1
Primary
Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.Reason: Students will use evidence from both the musical and traditional accounts to compare portrayals of historical figures.

National Core Arts Standards

MU:Re7.2.8a
Supporting
Compare how the elements of music are used to create expressions in a variety of music genres and cultures.Reason: Students will explore how Lin Manuel Miranda uses music to convey historical themes.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Rap Battle: Founding Fathers Style

Launch the project by having students participate in a rap battle where they have to embody different Founding Fathers. This engages them in the dynamic storytelling style of 'Hamilton' and provides a platform to explore historical viewpoints creatively.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Founding Fathers Rap Creations

In this activity, students will engage with the project by creating their own rap verses representing the perspectives of various Founding Fathers. This process allows them to creatively express historical viewpoints and enhances their understanding of the dynamic presentation of characters in 'Hamilton.'

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research a Founding Father represented in 'Hamilton'.
2. Write a draft of a rap verse that portrays the perspective and historical significance of that figure.
3. Review the lyrical structure used in 'Hamilton' to ensure your rap fits within that style.
4. Pair with a classmate to perform your rap and receive feedback.
5. Revise your rap based on feedback and prepare for a class presentation.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished rap verse which embodies the essence of a Founding Father.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports D2.His.1.6-8 by analyzing historical contexts through creative expression.
Activity 2

Historical Accounts Analysis Puzzle

Students will dive deep into comparing the traditional historical accounts of Alexander Hamilton's life with his portrayal in 'Hamilton.' By evaluating both sources, they will learn to discern the differences in narratives and their impact on understanding history.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Read selected traditional historical texts about Alexander Hamilton.
2. Watch relevant scenes from 'Hamilton' that depict the same events.
3. Complete a Venn Diagram comparing both portrayals of Hamilton.
4. Write a short reflection about how perceptions change with varied storytelling.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA Venn Diagram and a one-page reflection on the comparison of narratives.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.1 by citing evidence from the musical and historical texts.
Activity 3

Cause and Effect Chronicle

In this activity, students will examine the cause and effect of key events in Hamilton's life, understanding their significance by creating a timeline with these elements vividly illustrated.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Research significant events in Alexander Hamilton's life from both historical accounts and the musical.
2. Identify key causes and effects associated with these events.
3. Create a visual timeline using digital tools or craft supplies to display these events conspicuously.
4. Present the timeline to the class explaining each cause and effect relationship.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed timeline showcasing cause and effect relationships in Hamilton’s life.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets D2.His.14.6-8 by explaining causes and effects of historical events.
Activity 4

Musical Elements Exploration

Students will explore how artistic elements in 'Hamilton,' especially its musical components, convey historical themes and messages by analyzing specific songs and considering how different genres blend to create impactful narratives.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Select key songs from 'Hamilton' that highlight important historical events or themes.
2. Dissect the musical elements of each song including rhythm, genre, and instrumentation.
3. Write an analysis on how these elements enhance the story and messages portrayed.
4. Create a presentation or performance emphasizing one musical element's impact on storytelling.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn analytical essay and a presentation/performance focusing on a musical element from 'Hamilton.'

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports MU:Re7.2.8a by comparing music elements and their narrative expressions.
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Hamilton Musical-American History Portfolio Rubric

Category 1

Historical Analysis and Understanding

Evaluates student ability to analyze and compare historical narratives from 'Hamilton' and traditional texts.
Criterion 1

Comparative Analysis

Assesses the ability to draw connections and distinctions between traditional historical accounts and 'Hamilton'.

Exemplary
4 Points

Shows a deep understanding of both 'Hamilton' and traditional accounts, providing insightful comparisons with strong evidence.

Proficient
3 Points

Clearly analyzes both sources with appropriate connections and evidence provided.

Developing
2 Points

Provides basic comparisons with partial understanding of the sources.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to make relevant comparisons; understanding is limited and lacking evidence.

Criterion 2

Historical Contextualization

Evaluates understanding of historical events and contexts in Hamilton's life.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of historical contexts, linking events effectively to their significance in American history.

Proficient
3 Points

Understands most historical events and provides reasonable linkages to American history.

Developing
2 Points

Shows a basic grasp of historical contexts but struggles with linking to broader historical significance.

Beginning
1 Points

Understands historical events superficially with limited context and significance recognition.

Category 2

Creative Expression and Presentation

Evaluates student creativity in presenting historical perspectives through artistic means.
Criterion 1

Artistic Interpretation

Assesses creativity and depth in using rap or other creative formats to express historical perspectives.

Exemplary
4 Points

Creatively and accurately encapsulates historical perspectives in a complex and engaging manner using rap.

Proficient
3 Points

Presents historical perspectives clearly and engagingly with appropriate creative elements.

Developing
2 Points

Basic use of creative elements with limited depth in historical perspective presentation.

Beginning
1 Points

Uses minimal creative elements; struggles to accurately present historical perspectives.

Criterion 2

Performance and Feedback Integration

Evaluates ability to perform and integrate peer feedback for improvement.

Exemplary
4 Points

Delivers a compelling performance, effectively integrates peer feedback resulting in noticeable improvement.

Proficient
3 Points

Performs clearly and integrates most feedback effectively for improvement.

Developing
2 Points

Performs with some clarity, integrates feedback with limited improvement.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with performance clarity; feedback integration is minimal.

Category 3

Musical Element Analysis

Evaluates analytical skills in interpreting musical elements of 'Hamilton'.
Criterion 1

Musical Element Interpretation

Assesses student's ability to analyze and evaluate the impact of music on storytelling.

Exemplary
4 Points

Provides insightful analysis of musical elements, linking them effectively to storytelling with strong evidence.

Proficient
3 Points

Analyzes musical elements clearly with sound linkages to storytelling.

Developing
2 Points

Basic analysis with limited connections to storytelling.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to analyze musical elements or link them meaningfully to storytelling.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on your overall experience with the project exploring 'Hamilton.' What are the most significant insights or lessons you have gained about American history and its portrayal through art?

Text
Required
Question 2

How confident do you feel in your ability to analyze historical narratives presented in creative formats after this project?

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which activity in the project did you find most engaging or impactful in enhancing your understanding of historical narratives and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Founding Fathers Rap Creations
Historical Accounts Analysis Puzzle
Cause and Effect Chronicle
Musical Elements Exploration
Question 4

In what ways do you think your perception of historical figures and narratives might influence your understanding of current events and issues?

Text
Optional