Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.

Compose Own Music

Objective: Students understand characteristics and can write in the style of Romanticism.
Activity: Have students write their own piece. They can use their own lyrics or choose a writer from the Romantic Period. The song should be in the style of Romanticism. They must use one other instrument besides voice.
Assessment: Students are about to apply characteristics of the Romantic period to their own music.
National Standard: Standard 4: Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.