Getting to Know
Shape and Form in Art
Introduce youngsters to the important role shape and form play in art with this extensive collection of activities and projects. From teaching first graders how to create mandalas to engaging third and fourth graders in the design...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: Becoming an Animal
The Kwakwaka'wakw are indigenous people from Vancouver Island and British Columbia. The class analyzes a Kwakwak'wakw ceremonial mask, how it was used, and its cultural significance. They then create animal masks representing their...
Curated OER
Animal Masks
Learners create wonderfully animate animal masks out of balloons. They use the papier-mache technique to create three dimensional animal masks taking care to consider color, shape, texture, and the animals' features.
Hildegard Center for the Arts
Mardi Gras Masks
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.
Curated OER
African Mask
Students make masks. In this African art lesson, students review background information about African art and the use of masks. Students use geometric shapes and other designs to create their masks.
Curated OER
Art Lesson Plans
Students participate in art projects based on their teacher's ideas. In this art lesson plan, students and teachers choose from a variety of art projects including collages, dioramas, masks, and more.
Curated OER
Colorful Paper Masks
Learners create individual masks using poster paper, string or elastic, and basic art supplies in this wonderful Art lesson for any level. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of cultural and personal uses of masks and personal creativity.
Curated OER
The Meaning Behind the Mask
Young scholars explore the world of African masks and storytelling. They create masks that tell stories of their own.
Hawaiʻi State Department of Education
Mask Symmetry
When you engage learners in creating symmetrical objects you are also building their vocabulary and math sense. Kids discuss key words such as, asymmetrical, symmetrical, balance, tint, and shade. They use these elements of design to...
Curated OER
Masks
Pupils create Masks using heavy paper or bristol board, pencils, scissors, glue, and various decorative materials in this Art lesson for the elementary and middle level classroom. This project can be adapted to fit any time frame...
Curated OER
Peking Opera Mask
Students design and create their own masks using the symbolism evident in Peking opera masks.
Curated OER
Translating African Masks
Students identify traits of African masks. In this multicultural art lesson, students view online examples of African masks and discuss the characteristics of the masks. Students create an original 2-D version of the African mask by...
Curated OER
Masks and Aesop's Fables
Young scholars study and perform Aesop's fables. In this Aesop's fables lesson, students read and/or listen to a number of the famous fables. They make masks based on the characters and perform a fable using the masks. They write about...
San Diego Museum of Art
Tapa-Inspired Pattern Painting
Middle schoolers are encourage to try their hand at traditional Oceania tapa art by crafting their own cloth using brown paper bags. Included in the resource is background information about the cultures of Oceania and their art.
Curated OER
Season Sarcophagus
Students analyze a sarcophagus art and create a similar piece of art. In this sarcophagus art lesson plan, students investigate possible meanings of the Season Sarcophagus and create a work of art that is similar to the subject or...
Curated OER
African Mask
Students research the importance of masks to the African culture. In this African mask lesson, students design original masks using a variety of materials. Students use the template provided to create their masks.
Curated OER
Leprechaun Dust
Learners make "leprechaun dust" in this short art lesson using Jello instant pistachio pudding, small jars, milk, and spoons. Ideal for celebrating St. Patrick's Day with early-elementary students. Can be combined with the reading of a...
Curated OER
Masks from Around the World
Students examine the history of masks, and create their own mask as a culminating activity. They view and discuss a PowerPoint presentation about the history of masks, complete a class KWL chart, create their own mask, and write a...
Curated OER
Doll Making
Students discuss folktales and read Tiger and The Big Wind, listening for animal characters for later discussion. In this language arts lesson, students complete a T chart on characters and make a doll for one either chosen or assigned....
Curated OER
Molded Clay Faces
Artists create clay masks using pre-formed molds, clay, glitter, feathers, gems, and paint. The expressive qualities of clay are perfect for creating many different types of face masks, from Mardi Gras glitter to Japanese Kabuki to...
Curated OER
When A Line Meets Itself
Learners investigate the linear characteristics of cultural art. In this art analysis lesson, students discover the Pre-Columbian Chimu culture and the many masks they created. Learners identify the different shapes and lines...
Curated OER
Halloween Paper Bag Mask
Pupils create Halloween paper bag masks using paper bags, scissors, pens, crayons, paints, glue, glitter, tissue paper, and various other art materials. This lesson is ideal for late-October and can be done in as little as 30 minutes.
Curated OER
Visit to Ackland Art Museum (African Masks Exhibit)
Second graders observe and describe the similarities and differences in the African Mask exhibit at the Ackland Art Museum. They use describing words to express the feelings of the masks.
Curated OER
African Masks (Pre-Visit)
Second graders observe and describe several masks from different parts of Africa housed in the Smithsonian Institute (National Museum of African Art) Washington, D.C. They use the internet to view the Smithsonian's virtual exhibits.