Benefits of Service Learning 

As a means to integrate the curriculum across varied disciplines and appeal to the multiple intelligences of diverse learners, music can be used in the social studies classroom.  There have been many songs in American history that are either a reflection of pivotal social transformations or written as a means to conceptually invoke service, citizenship, activism and sacrifice.   Ultimately, music can substantiate the NC Standard Course of Study and service learning when used as a direct instructional tool in analyzing the historical context of a particular song.  Or indirectly, music can be used in the background of a classroom during a reflective writing exercise.  The following links provide the benefits of music in the social studies classroom, as well as, the lyrics of popular songs in American history. 

http://www.newhorizons.org/strategies/arts/brewer.htm   http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/instructor/Jan05_music.htm   http://www.historians.org/Perspectives/issues/2005/0512/0512tea2.cfm   http://www.pbs.org/americanrootsmusic/pbs_arm_itc_historical_background.html   http://www.azlyrics.com/   http://www.lyrics.com/