1. During which point in time was Europop the most successful?
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ABBA-cadabra: The Magic of Contemporary European Music 1. Question & Research Task
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Castles and cathedrals that have stood for hundreds of years. Authors and philosophers whose words have inspired people all over the world. Royal families that have ruled nations for centuries. These are the images that come to mind when we think of Europe and its rich history.
Not only has Europe contributed great things to the world in terms of politics, literature, and philosophy but it has also been on the cutting edge of musical trends for the past few decades. Groups like ABBA & The Wanted, and solo artists like Kylie Minogue & Ellie Goulding had wild success in Europe before experiencing any fame across seas.
Typically referred to as Europop, this musical movement began in the 1970s and has maintained its hold on the music charts ever since. But which era has been the most influential? You decide!
Click the image to watch ABBA perform during the 1974 Eurovision song competition. As the winners, ABBA was propelled to international success.
*YouTube videos must be screened by the teacher.
Image Source: YouTube
In this Slam Dunk, you will conduct brief, focused research to respond to the inquiry question:
During which point in time was Europop the most successful?

2. 2. Information Sources Next 1 2 3 4 5 6 1970s/1980s 1990s
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1970s/1980s
1990s
Today’s Artists/EDM
Mama Mia!
Thank You for the Music
ABBA Sells More Music Than Ever
ABBA Museum
Boney M
Eurovision Song Contest
Right Said Fred
Ace of Base- Good Sign for Arista
Aqua
Spice Girls (World Book)
Spice Girls (Britannica)
Bjork
Electronic Dance Music
Avicii, the Punishing Life of a Superstar DJ
Guardian View on Grime Music
The Bands that Know the Score
Clean Bandit
“The Sign”, by Swedish group Ace of Base, was the # 1 song of 1994 according to Billboard magazine.
Image Source: Flickr

3. 3. Student Activity
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Using information you have gathered on the different eras of Europop, you will decide which of the eras discussed is the most influential and had the largest impact.
You may take notes using any style approved by your teacher. Pay close attention to placement on the Billboard charts, record sales, collaborations, awards won, and career longevity.
Once your information is gathered and you have come to a conclusion, you will engage in a philosophical chairs discussion. Be sure to utilize evidence from your research to support your claim.
The Eurovision song contest keeps the Europop scene alive and well!
Image Source: Flickr

4. 4. Assessment Activity
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During which point in time was Europop the most successful?
To effectively make your claim about which era of Europop is the most influential, you will take part in a philosophical chairs discussion with your classmates.
Prior to the discussion, complete this debate planner so that you can refer to the evidence you have found that will support your claim.
Refer to the rubric to guarantee you are including each necessary piece!
Europe is known for massive EDM festivals!
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

5. 5. Enrichment Activities
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Europop took on a whole new world when two of the founding members of ABBA, Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus worked with playwright Catherine Johnson and producer Judy Craymer to bring Mama Mia! to the Broadway stage in 1999.
Since it’s debut, Mama Mia! has toured in several countries, been translated into various languages, won multiple awards and has even inspired two feature films!
If your favorite song was incorporated into a musical, what would the scene look like? Using Mama Mia! as inspiration, script a scene around your favorite song or, write a synopsis of a musical incorporating your favorite album!
Outside of the Mogador Theatre in Paris, France.
Click the image to hear A*Teens cover of “Mama Mia”
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

6. 6. Teacher Resources 1 2 3 4 5 6 Grade 7 World Music
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Learning Standards Alignment
Content Learning Standards
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy
Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work. 
Anchor Standard 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.  Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, historical context to deepen understanding. 
Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
AASL Standards Framework for Learners Inquire: Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.
Think: Learners display curiosity and initiative by:
I.A.2 Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.
Create: Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes:
I.B.1 Using evidence to investigate questions. I.B.3 Generating products that illustrate learning.
Share: Learners adapt, communicate, and exchange learning products with others in a cycle that includes:
I.C.1 Interacting with content presented by others.
Grow: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by:
I.D.2 Engaging in sustained inquiry.
P21 Framework: 21st Century Student Outcomes
3. Information, Media & Technology Skills: Information Literacy: Access information efficiently and effectively; Use information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand.
ICT Literacy: Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information.
Grade 7 World Music
Time Frame: minute class periods
Differentiation strategies for this lesson:
Have students use learning supports provided in any BCPS-licensed Digital Content included in this lesson. Refer to Digital Content Snapshots & Support resources for as needed.
Notes to the teacher:
Collaborate with your school library media specialist to plan and implement this lesson.
Library Media Specialists may want to review close reading strategies to help students navigate longer articles.
Last updated: July Report broken links to BCPS Library Media Programs & Digital Resources BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2018, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. This lesson may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Dr. Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Digital Lesson model.