Modern Art Lesson Plans

What would it be like to restore modern works of art? By acting as modern art conservators, learners assess the first-hand difficulties faced in restoration efforts. In addition, they create modern art pieces from random materials. Then, they resume the role of art conservator to analyze their classmates' work and discuss preservation techniques.

Students explore the history and examples of Modern Art. In this Modern Art lesson, students read background information about Modern Art and a biography of Andy Warhol. Students complete a criticism and aesthetics, art creation activities, and research the time period of the art period.

Create meaningful illustrations to accompany stories in a web-based art and literacy lesson. The class takes a virtual "art safari" with the Museum of Modern Art and then discussed how illustrations contribute to meaning. Individuals write and illustrate a story about an animal that includes examples of fact and personification.

Young scholars examine works of art and consider their emotional and monetary values, and consider high stakes bidding expected to take place over particular works of modern art by reading and discussing article, "An Auction Season of High Estimates, and Even Higher Risks." Students then research specific modern art movement and particular example of art from that movement, and create modern art trading cards featuring researched works of art.

Students analyze the art of theatrical costumes and modern art designs. In this art analysis lesson, students compare two different designs for theatrical costumes by artists Oskar Schlemmer and El Lissitzky. Students complete image based discussion and three related activities.

Students explore the many art movements considered to exist in the realm of 'modernism.' students explore, in pairs, key elements of different modern art movements and design posters presenting their movements.

Students investigate what James Zemaitis does for a living based on his picture and discuss the history and function of Sotheby's auction house. Students then study the changing face of modern art auctions by reading and discussing the article "Dolls as Role Models, Neither Barbie Nor Britney." Finally, students research modern objects and interiors and design an item for a Zemaitis auction.

Learners consider what "modern" means and explore memories and opinions about the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. They design or renovate a local building for the 21st century.

Students explore industrial design and photography with an emphasis on the history of Paris. In this modern art lesson, students analyze and discuss the images of modern city life in Paris and the Eiffel Tower. Students participate in a debate and research the development of transit systems. Students

Pupils compare and debate how an ancient Greek sculpture is similar to modern art. Then they orally describe the cultural contributions of early Greek civilization and their relationship to the modern world.