Smithsonian Institution
Affirmation, Assimilation, and Acculturation: Middle School
Latin American culture is deeply embedded in American culture as a whole. From the Latin rock scene in San Francisco to the hip-hop world of New York, Latin American artists have influenced every genre of modern music. Learn about the...
National Gallery of Canada
Build a City of the Future!
Tap into your pupils' imagination by asking them to design futuristic, ideal cities. They must discuss and take scale and size into account, looking at some model pieces of art for inspiration and analysis. The final product for each...
Curated OER
Class Experience: African Masks
Students discover the many diverse artwork produced in Africa while focusing upon masks created in tribal groups. They conduct research using a variety of resources and then use the information as samples for inspiration to create their...
Curated OER
Mini Masks: Ceramics
Masks have been used for many reasons throughout human history. They are also great subjects for art projects! Included here are instructions, background information, and all the supplies needed to create mini masks in your class.
Curated OER
Mosaics of Cyprus
Students create digital mosaics. In this visual arts activity, students discover the attributes and history of mosaics in a teacher-led discussion. Students use an educational program to make their own digital mosaics.
Curated OER
If These Walls Could Talk
Students explore Enlightenment and Neoclassical art. In this visual arts instructional activity, students compare and contrast images of architecture from both styles. Students create visual art designs that feature the ideals of...
Curated OER
Sculpting a Modern Hero
Students examine the sculpture of the Greek hero Herakles. In this visual arts lesson, students choose a modern hero and create a sculpture that features the hero’s identity and attributes.
Curated OER
Still Life Goes On
Students investigate the Turner Prize. In this visual arts lesson, students visit selected Web sites to research the visual arts award and its recipients. Students compare and contrast pieces of art their instructor shares with them.
Curated OER
Male Nok Head SculptureNigeria, Africa
Sixth graders create sculpture. In this visual arts lesson plan, 6th graders design and create Nok sculptures that feature patterns and textures in the style of the Nok culture.
Curated OER
Citizenship
Students reflect on characteristics of good citizens, examine democratic symbolism, create an award and choose an individual to receive the award as part of this lesson on citizenship. Lesson ties together social studies, language arts,...
Curated OER
Woodblocks And Their Japanese History
Students create replicas of Japanese woodblock prints using their own art as the basis for design in this excellent cross-curricular Art project applicable to Language Arts, Social Studies, or Art classrooms.
Curated OER
A Journey To Africa: Art And Artifacts
Middle schoolers create a multimedia presentation based on a piece of African Art. They use the art piece to demonstrate the culture and ceremonies of the area in which it was produced. They research facts for a Power Point, write a...
Curated OER
Education, Design & Empowerment: Part One
Students consider the connection between poverty and education. In this language arts and social studies lesson plan, students research primary and secondary sources in order to explore the relationship between education and poverty.
Curated OER
Camels and Pyramids
Pupils examine and create artwork. In this visual arts instructional activity, students examine the motif present in "Camels and Pyramids." Pupils design their own motifs that they incorporate into a painted and stenciled piece.
Curated OER
Divination Bag: Yoruba, Nigeria
Students create divination bags. In this visual arts lesson, students study the beliefs of the Yoruba people of Africa. Students design and create divination bags in the style of the Yoruba people.
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Goli Mask Baule, Ivory Coast
Young scholars create Goli masks. For this visual arts lesson, students design and create Goli and Kifwebe-style masks that feature symmetry in the style of those found on the Ivory Coast.
Curated OER
The Art of Improvisation
Students explore the work of 3 for All. In this performing arts lesson, students watch a video segment about the improvisation group 3 for All, study improvisation, and participate in their own improvisation routines.
Curated OER
Out and About: Sculpture
Students take a closer look at sculpture. In this visual arts lesson, students may visit the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the New Art Center Sculpture Park, the Fruitmarket Gallery, or Tate Britain online or in-person to discover details...
Curated OER
Northwest Coast Indian Lesson Plan
Students create traditional hats. In this visual arts activity, students design and create traditional hats that highlight animal features, line design, and geometric shapes in the style of the Kwakiutl.
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Power Figure Songye, Zaire
Students create power figures. In this visual arts lesson, students design and build their own sculptures that replicate those made by the Songye in Zaire, Africa.
Curated OER
The Mummy's Tomb: An Ideal Hope Chest Lesson Plan
Students create replicas of Egyptian tombs. In this visual arts lesson, students study the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians regarding the afterlife. Students design small mummy tombs using shoe bows, modelling clay, and embellishments.
Curated OER
Artistic Symbols
Middle schoolers compare and contrast symbols used in African and Plains Indian art. In this visual arts lesson, students compare symbols of 2 cultural groups found in their art. Middle schoolers write a description of what items might...
Curated OER
The World Through Art
Students create a multimedia report comparing a favorite form or work of art with those from other cultures around the world. In small groups they research the cultural influences on art in different regions of the world using an Encarta...
Film Foundation
The Day The Earth Stood Still: The Filmmaking Process
How are films made? As part of their study of film, middle schoolers investigate the pre-production, production, and post-production process and consider the role of the director, the screenwriter, production designer, cinematographer,...