Smithsonian Institution
The Birth of an Icon: Learning and Performing the Origins of the Drum Set and Early Jazz Drumming in New Orleans, Louisiana
Bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals. Perched behind their drum sets, wielding their drum sticks and wire brushes, drummers lay the grove and are the heartbeat of a band's performance. A dynamic lesson introduces young musicians to...
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...
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...
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NOVA scienceNOW-Profile: Brothers Chudnovsky: Moving Images
Students examine digital images of the Unicorn tapestry. They discover why the Chodnovsky brothers had a difficult time piecing together digital scans of three-by-three-foot sections of ancient tapestry.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rainbow Dream Catcher
Learners design dream catchers. In this visual arts lesson, students follow the provided steps to create their own rainbow dream catchers.
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Referencing the Classical Past
Students explore the concept of myths conveyed through art. In this art history lesson, students examine "Three Goddesses" and discuss the state of the world at the time that Nollekens created the sculptures as they analyze the pieces.
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Canadian Conoe Trip
Sixth graders research Canadian geography - the land and the bodies of water. They then plan an imaginary canoe trip through six major water bodies in Canada. They conclude the unit of study with a creative story.
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students compare Neoclassical objects from the Getty collection to American civic architecture of the time. They discuss the moral and political ideas of the Enlightenment and articulate how these art forms influenced democratic thought...
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Putting a Spin on Current Events
Students discover propaganda. In this Greek mythology activity, students discuss meanings of ancient art work with their class. Students investigate the dishonesty behind propaganda.
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Patriotic Arts: Influencing Canadians At War
Students study how war has shaped Canadian life, patriotism, propaganda, and music. They research primary source documents, novels, videos, and songs before celebrating Remembrance Day.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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
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,...
Curated OER
Fantastic Journeys
Students design an amusement park attraction based on a fantastic journey from literature, film, or their own imaginations. Each design team must submit a formal proposal. The proposal should include: a two- or three-dimensional visual...