1. Harlem Renaissance: Webquest and AI Project
Sixth Grade AI Project
Doral Academy Red Rock

2. Harlem, by Walter Dean Myers
Listen to the poem, “Harlem”, by Walter Dean Myers with your class, read by rapper Puff Daddy, and use the listening guide provided to you and here.
“Harlem”, By Walter Dean Myers, read by Puff Daddy.
With a partner, reread the poem “Harlem”, and view illustrations created by Walter Dean Myer’s son, Christopher Myers. On your own copy of the poem, highlight names of places, or terms that seem unique to the Harlem Renaissance.
“Harlem”, By Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers.

3. Drop Me Off In Harlem: Webquest
Go to: Kennedy Center’s “Drop Me Off in Harlem”. You have been dropped off in Harlem and need a map!
View a Map! Go to the page “A Place Called Harlem”. Explore Harlem’s street map, and click on the yellow landmarks to learn about them. Which landmarks does Walter Dean Myer reference in his poem “Harlem”? As you explore, think about how these places reveal the spirit of Harlem-the values and interests of its residents during the Renaissance.
Explore, and have fun! Click on “Media Player” in the top right corner of the homepage and “go back in time”. While you’re in Harlem, you’ll listen to music, read inspirational writing, see fabulous productions, and view some unforgettable images. Be sure to keep a written record of some of each of these adventures in the sections named Audio, Images, Text, and Video.
Audio: Listen to two songs and two poems all the way through. Choose one that stands out to you and complete a PSAT chart on it (Primary Source Analysis Tool). Be sure to write down the title and artist of the song or poem.
Images: View all of the images, and choose one that makes you think and/or feel the most. Complete a PSAT chart with a partner. Be sure to write down the name and artist.
Text: Browse the texts, and choose one to SOAPSTONE with a partner.
Video: View and enjoy several videos of your choosing. Select your favorite video, and write a one paragraph reflection on why you chose it. Consider things such as: mood, tone, music style, rhythm, performance style, how it’s different from music you listen to, where you can imagine viewing this performance live, who might be in the audience with you, what would they be dressed like, how would the room smell, etc…

4. Faces& Place of the Harlem Renaissance
During your time in Harlem, you were exposed to many artists, writers, and activists of the Harlem Renaissance. Browse through the many notable important people on the “Faces of the Harlem Renaissance” page, and choose one that you and your partner(s) are most inspired by, or interested in learning more about their work that made them famous.
Or, was it a place you are most interested in learning more about? In that case, choose on of the landmarks from the interactive map from your Webquest. Another iconic landmark of the Harlem Renaissance was the Apollo Theatre. Use the link to learn more about it, and go all the way to the Apollo Theatre home page.

5. Inquiry, Sharing, Reflection
Inquiry: Complete research utilizing at least three credible sources on your chosen famous “face” or “place” of the Harlem Renaissance.
Sharing: Create one page artist statement that captures the most relevant, need-to-know, information. This typically includes: Who or what? Significance to the Harlem Renaissance? Lasting contribution(s) to our society? You’ll share this when you present your art. Your teacher will provide specific criteria for this.
(POST PROJECT) Reflection: Create a half to full page written artist reflection on your journey that included exloring, creating, and presenting. Your teacher will provide criteria for this.

6. Choose An Art Form
From your Faces or Places of the Harlem Renaissance research, consider an art form that will allow you to extend your understanding of the topic, and express ideas you gained from your inquiry process.
Consider the following choices: visual art, choreography, theatrical skit, musical composition. See project ideas/examples below:
Visual Art: a painting that portrays the theme of the poem, “Harlem”, by Walter Dean Myers, and captures the mood, tone, style, and values that are represented in the poem.
Choreography: a tap dance or movement piece that utilizes choreography unique to the Harlem Renaissance or one of its artists, performed to a song from the Harlem Renaissance era.
Theatrical Skit: a 2-3 minute theatrical skit of a “scene” at a Harlem Renaissance “rent party”, as referenced in the poem “Harlem”, by Walter Dean Myers. MUST utilize Harlem slang (see Harlem slang here)
Are you a musician? “Cover” a 1 minute portion of a song from the Harlem Renaissance, and add your own personal touch to it with the instrument(s) you choose. Be sure to keep the “bones” of the original song in tact.