Crafting Freedom
Man in the Middle: Thomas Day and the Free Black Experience
How did free and enslaved blacks work to craft freedom for themselves and their families before the Civil War? Young historians read about the life of Thomas Day, a free black man who also owned slaves and had abolitionist ties in...
Dick Blick Art Materials
Fauvism is for the Birds!
Here's a art project that lets kids use bold colors to express their inner wild beasts, and maybe even attract a few wild birds. Using old picture frames, canvases, and screen mesh, young fauvists craft bird feeders and...
Curated OER
Woven Felt Wall Hanging
Artists of many ages use steel, plastic, tree branches and other natural materials to weave a wall hanging. The materials needed for this fine plan are easy to procure, and the process is clearly-described. The results are beautiful, and...
Ballet Austin
The History of Modern Dance
The evolution of modern dance, and the dance history of many of the key figures in the development of this uniquely American form, are the focus of a 13-page packet that includes photos of revolutionaries.
Curated OER
The Meaning of Passover Story Through Songs and Traditions
Students explore the meaning of Passover. In this holiday lesson, students participate in various learning centers that focus on the Passover holiday. The learning centers include simulating the feelings of slavery, listening to music by...
Dick Blick Art Materials
“Rhythm in Layers”
Young artists learn to build rhythm into a design by repeating colors, shapes, and patterns in a 3-D sculpture activity.
Curated OER
Shoe Shine
Young artists use Paintstik colors on paper, canvas, metal, fabric or another surface to create a work of art to be presented in a gallery. Pupils research the origins of the "Snakebasket" they are creating. These art lessons produce...
Curated OER
The Life and Work of Gustav Klimt
A study of Gustav Klimt's life and work can lead to interesting discussions and projects.
Curated OER
Life of a Navajo Weaver
Young scholars explore Native American weaving patterns and dance movements. In this Native Americans lesson, students view examples of weaving patterns on the Internet and compare the patterns to a Native American dance. Young scholars...
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Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau lessons and activities can provide a way for students to compare and contrast different artistic styles.
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Art of Mask Making
Students make an African mask. In this culture and heritage lesson, students view samples of African masks and learn about the importance of these masks. Students visit the African Art Museum website to view the styles of...
Curated OER
Invigorate and Inspire with Van Gogh's Bold Colors
Commemorate Van Gogh's birthday with colorful activities for all ages!
Curated OER
Shadow Puppetry in South India
Students read a variety of literature from India, including folktales and fables. They then select a scene or story to script, work together to design and craft shadow puppets of characters and scenery, narrate a story, manipulate the...
Curated OER
Keeping Us in Stitches Activity: Crazy-Quilt Collage Design
Students create collages using the irregular-shaped and sized pieces, decorative stitching, and applied or painted motifs that reflect the Crazy-Quilt style, and explain how and why their design fits into that style.
Curated OER
Collaborative Collage - A Lesson in Creative Chaos
Pupils examine the works of abstract and collage artists. They explore alternate methods of paint application that reinforce the elements of rhythm and movement and create collages based on these principles.
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Painting Techniques- Impressionism
Students investigate impressionist painting techniques. For this visual arts lesson, students view paintings by Monet and practice the dot and stroke technique. Students use shades of green and gentle brush strokes to create grass in...
Curated OER
How does it feel? Why is the Civil Rights Movement so Important?
Fifth graders study the Civil War. In this US history lesson, 5th graders simulate what life was like during the Civil War by having two groups with one group given more materials than the other group. Students then draw a...
Curated OER
Book Week Campout
Students end the celebration of Book Week in their gym class. As a class, they follow directions to move along with a song and how to use their stuffed animals to move to the music. To end the lesson, they participate in a pillow fight...
Curated OER
Papalotzin y las Monarcas
Students examine theme. In this Papalotzin y las Monarcas lesson plan, students read an English or Spanish version of the story. Students discuss the themes of community and positive change in the story.
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Science of Special Effects
This is a creative, multidisciplinary, well-designed lesson plan provided by Scientific American related to special effects. Learners make their own animated short films and use math and computer skills.
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Renkly Relief/Collage Painting
Young scholars study the use of texture, and rhythm as a principle of design when showing movement in a painting.
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Crayograph Quilts
Students create a quilt-like fabric swatches using Crayograph crayons, emery paper and rubbing plates.
Curated OER
LA CENERENTOLA (Cinderella)
Pupils formulate how to make puppets and realize that puppetry, like opera, is another kind of theater. They gain deeper knowledge of the characters in Rossini's La Referentially. Students use this concept to make decisions about...
Curated OER
Role Model Medal
Students investigate positive female role models. In this Women's History Month lesson plan, students read the book Mama Went to Jail for the Vote and think about how the character was a role model for other women. Students brainstorm a...