National Endowment for the Humanities
“House by the Railroad”: A Painting and a Poem for the Common Core
Introduce your class to ekphrastic poetry with an exercise that asks them to examine Edward Hooper's painting House by the Railroad and Edward Hirsch's poem "Edward Hopper and the House By the Railroad." After a close reading...
Curated OER
Edward Hopper's House by the Railroad: From Painting to Poem
Students analyze Edward Hopper's painting and Hirsch's poem to explore the types of emotion generated by each work. In this literary and art analysis lesson, students discuss how Hopper establishes tone and analyze Hirsch's use of...
Brooklyn Museum
Youth and Beauty: Art of the American Twenties
While the lesson is lacking in procedure, it does provide a wealth of information on artist Yasuo Kuniyoshi. Information on his life, art, and inspirations can provide you with insights into creating learning activities that convey...
Curated OER
Two-Point Perspective
Seventh graders will learn to create the illusion of depth on a two dimensional surface using the technique of perspective.Analyze famous works of art and photographs of local architecture and identify how each is using perspective....
Curated OER
Look Before You Think: How To Appreciate a Painting
Students develop an elementary understanding of the history of art. They study the basic elements of a painting including perspective, composition, color, light and symbolism. They look at each selected painting and analyze it, moving...
Curated OER
Write a Short Story
Students compare two paintings, depicting urban life in America in the 1940's, answering a series of questions, then create a short story about the paintings' characters. They compare 'Nighthawks' and 'Nightlife.'
Curated OER
Mobility: Fuel for Change
Students determine how to lower the reliance on petroleum-based fuel. For this environmental stewardship lesson, students create concept cars for the future that using renewable energy.
Curated OER
Your Body Within Your Community
Students identify and discuss the function of each of the major body systems. As a class, they discover how this relates each one of them in their community. They discuss their role as a member of their community and how people depend...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Alienation in Raymond Carver & Art
Using short fiction by Raymond Carver and the art of Edward Hopper, this short unit plan explores the theme of alienation. This site includes questions, a list of suggested works, a reflection sheet, and an interactive exhibit of...
Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: How to Appreciate a Painting
Christine A. Elmore's curriculum unit designed "to facilitate her third-graders' enjoyment of and response to fine art." This unit can be applied to all age groups and provides an extensive background on art in general.
Art Institute of Chicago
Art Institute of Chicago: Art Access: Write a Short Story
Compare and contrast two works of art that show groups of people in two different settings. Then choose one of the paintings to write a short story.