Tom Lehrer

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/tom-lehrer

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Tom Lehrer born?April 9, 1928
2. Where was Tom Lehrer born?New York City, New York, USA
3. What is Tom Lehrer known for?Writing and performing humorous, often politically charged, satirical songs
4. Who was Tom Lehrer?Tom Lehrer was a mathematician and songwriter who made funny songs about serious topics. He was known for his clever, witty music that mixed humor with smart ideas.
5. What kind of songs did he write?He wrote songs that were playful and sometimes dark, covering things like science, politics, and everyday life. His music often used jokes to talk about big ideas.

Polymath: An individual whose knowledge spans a significant number of subjects, known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge.
Topical Satire: Humorous or witty criticism of current events, figures, or issues, often with the intent to provoke change or expose folly.
Black Humor: Humor that treats serious, disturbing, or morbid subjects in a light or satirical manner.
Musical Theater History: The academic study of the development, evolution, and significant works of musical theater as an art form.