Song Analysis Lesson: Xiuhtezcatl’s "Broken"
Lesson Plan
1 hour 10 minutesGrades6, 7, 8History, English Language Arts
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Written by Lisa Hasuike, Oregon Educators for Climate Education
About this lesson
In this lesson, students analyze the song “Broken” by Xiuhtezcatl, then create an art project sharing their feelings about the planet's future.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students listen to the song “Broken,” do a close reading of the lyrics, and reflect on the meaning of the song.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students watch a video and read a short autobiographical statement to learn more about the artist and activist, Xiuhtezcatl.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students create their own art project to share their emotions about the future of the planet.
Preview the lesson plan
Better on a bigger screen? Open it in its own tab.View Lesson Plan
Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Positives
- This lesson integrates music and climate justice.
- Students create their own art projects to inspire change.
Additional Prerequisites
- You can learn to pronounce Xiuhtezcatl’s name correctly by watching this video.
- Students should already have some background knowledge of climate change and its effects, including the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Indigenous communities.
- Students should have experience brainstorming and creating art projects. This lesson offers students an opportunity to express themselves through an art project, but due to the wide range of possible options, it does not provide specific scaffolding on how to complete the projects.
Differentiation
- Art projects can be completed individually, in groups, or as a whole class project.
- Teachers can identify additional words from the lyrics to define ahead of time, depending on students' reading levels.
- Teachers can add or eliminate annotation techniques in the Inquire section. Alternatively, students can pick their own techniques that work for them.
From the scientist review
Music is critical to spreading climate education. It is one of the fastest ways to communicate the impact of climate change to a diverse audience. This lesson is a song study that allows students to improve their ability to make songs that will convey vital climate information to different people (to protect the environment against climate change impacts). The videos, song study guide, and images were fact-checked and this lesson has passed our science credibility process.
Want this to fit your class?
Add your location for local examples, questions, and action ideas.
About the teacher writers
Lisa Hasuike
Lisa Hasuike is currently a Culturally Responsive Coordinator working for the Tigard-Tualatin School District who supports students at the middle school level. Her work involves partnering with Building Equity Coordinators and being a member of the TTSD Equity Leadership and Restorative Practices Teams. Lisa writes grants for her district, supports and creates community partnerships with affinity and alliance groups, and is a District Equity Leadership Team Student Pillar Leader. She is also a Colleagues of Color Team Lead who supports her district’s retention and recruitment efforts through community building work, including serving on the NREN BIPOC Partner Committee and EAC board. Prior to this role she was a Director of Bands for 15 years and her primary instrument is saxophone. Under her tutelage the Tigard Cadet Percussion won numerous awards. Lisa is a Cohort 2 OEA Equity Sparkie and currently works as an Equity Sparks Facilitator and as a Board Director for OEA.
Biography from: https://grow.oregoned.org/facilitators/lisa-hasuike
Biography from: https://grow.oregoned.org/facilitators/lisa-hasuike
Oregon Educators for Climate Education
Website: https://www.oregonclimateed.org/
Oregon Educators for Climate Education (OECE) is a statewide group of educators working toward Oregon legislation that would mandate the integration and infusion of climate change for PK-12 education across all core subject areas.
Our steering committee is comprised of current and retired K-12 educators, as well as high school students. While most of us reside and work in the Willamette Valley, we are seeking connection and input from stakeholders from regions across Oregon. We are inclusive and invite diverse voices to join us!
Website: https://www.oregonclimateed.org/
