Prodigy. Pianist. Songwriter. Singer. Activist. Nina Simone. Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina on February 21st, 1933, Nina Simone is an icon of American music and one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century. Her activism during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s earned her the title of “Singer of the Black Revolution.” In this lesson plan (with modifications for any grade level) students will explore the life and career of this extraordinary musician through reading (including the option of engaging with the children’s book “NINA: A Story of Nina Simone”), discussion, and examining samples of Nina Simone’s incredible work. Students culminate what they have learned about Nina Simone by creating a concept design for the reuse of Nina Simone’s birthplace.