The intent of this unit is to demonstrate some of the traditional arts of the Middle East. Extensive background information on the religion, culture, and nature of Islamic art found throughout the Middle East is provided. Each of the...

Explore African literature and artwork in a multicultural literacy and art lesson. Begin with a read aloud of Tiger and the Big Wind: A Tale from Africa, and afterward, have kids retell the main events in the story. They...

Explore the life and painting style of African-American artist Horace Pippin by looking carefully at its parts, then create a "secret number" painting for a classroom counting book.

Students discover the horrible situation of water shortages that many people face by completing Peace Corps activities.  For this global health lesson, students analyze and discuss photographs of people in Africa struggling to find...

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....

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...

Learners explore story quilts. In this cross curriculum literacy and art activity, students listen to the story Tar Beachand discuss the art form of story quilts as used by Faith Ringgold. Learners sketch their own "Where Would You Fly?"...

Students investigate animal habitats in zoos. In this animal habitat lesson, students fill in a KWLH chart about zoos before looking at pictures of African animals in zoo habitats. They discuss what they see and take a field trip to the...

Students study the Gullah culture by watching a video about Gullah, Gullah Island. They discuss the customs and crafts of the people such as basket weaving, food preparation, pottery, and quilt making. While working in centers, they make...

Students read through poems in a book called Pass it On. There are 19 poems from famous African American poets contained in the book. The poems are specialized for children and after the children have learned about the author and about...

Pupils investigate the military by examining their uniforms.  In this design lesson, students analyze the military uniforms from different locations and time periods.  Pupils create new ideas for current military uniforms.

Students explore the concept of "culture." For this cross curriculum literacy and world history lesson, students listen to a letter written by a child from Namibia, then compare and contrast life in Africa with their own life. Students...

Students will use texture to create imaginary monsters and learn about the African American inventor Jan Earnst Matzeliger.

Study African American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger and create imaginary monsters using texture.

Students create "sole people" using tempera paint, drawing paper, and shoe prints in this multi-level art lesson plan. The lesson plan can be combined with a brief history of the African-American inventor Jan Ernst Matzeliger, who...

Fourth graders write a poem. In this jazz music lesson plan, 4th graders learn about the basics of jazz dance and practice basic movements. Students learn common terminology and listen to several recordings of jazz music. Students create...

High schoolers analyze and discuss masks of different cultures as an art form to evoke emotion. This instructional activity culminates in the creation of individual mask designs and self-directed assessment (included).

Students discover how visual images communicate meaning. They create costumes that tell personal stories and perform dances wearing the costumes.

Students discover the literary genre of biographies.  In this creative writing lesson, students write about their own life experiences and personal stories.  Students create a poster about their lives, a biographical...

Eighth graders examine Native American art. In this mask making lesson, 8th graders compare mask making traditions among different cultures. Students watch a demonstration of mask making and construct a mask of their own.

Pupils visit an online museum and storybook to examine what life was like for African Americans during and after the Civil War.

Students discover Native American culture by creating masks.  In this customs lesson, students create their own masks in class from plaster and paint.  Students perform a skit in front of their school showcasing their mask...

Students complete pre reading, writing, during reading, and interdisciplinary activities for the book Rainbow Joe and Me. In this reading lesson plan, students complete journal entries, answer short answer questions, have discussions,...

Fourth graders create a brief video presentation documenting their research of an impactful African American or woman from history. Students research and identify their accomplishments and create a 2-5 minute iMovie documenting their...