National Gallery of Canada
Self-Portrait, Mirrors and Metamorphosis!
Using M.C. Escher's Hand with Reflecting Sphere as inspiration, learners create their own set of self-portraits using various reflective surfaces. The lesson begins with a discussion about portraiture and ends with a presentation of work...
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Do You See What I See?
Can art play tricks on your eyes, and can a still painting really appear to vibrate? The second lesson in a four-part series discusses the way our beautiful brains translate visual images. It highlights the style of optical art and...
Smithsonian Institution
Eastern Indian Wars
Many know that Native Americans were forced off their lands and moved west, but how did these people react? The Red Sticks faction of the Creek nation opted to defend themselves and their lands in a series of wars called the Eastern...
Curated OER
Off the Record
Music reflects culture and culture is reflected in popular music. Reading an article on how hip-hop has affected the lives of two young men of different races launches an investigation of the development and influences of various musical...
Curated OER
What Is Me? Explore the Self through Names, Art and Symbols
Four lessons make up this unit on self. Learners research and discuss the significance of their given names and examine their perceptions of astrological signs and horoscopes. They explore objects in the paintings of Canadian artist...
Curated OER
Quick-Sketch Artist Tips on Mind Mapping the Urban Landscape
Students interpret maps. They also create mental maps of regions in which they are studying. Students then explain the historical or cultural significance of map features orally or in written form. Students take a walking field trip...
Curated OER
Getting Perspective In The Renaissance
Students engage in a lesson that is concerned with the art of photography. They conduct research using the Internet and other resources. The students use the lesson plan to create context for using analytical language for class discussion.
Curated OER
The Three Faces of William Penn
Pupils analyze art depicting William Penn. They analyze three different paintings discussing the symbolism, artistic elements, and depiction of Native Americans in each painting.
Curated OER
O'keefe's Flowers
Students participate in a lesson about the artist Georgia O'keefe by examining here artwork as a model for style. The art is displayed and students are allowed the time to paint their own paintings. Then they write a journal about the...
Curated OER
An Art-To-Art Discussion
Students analyze a work of art from a variety of cultural perspectives, and give their own personal evaluation of the work.
Curated OER
Photo-Documenting Earth Art
Students study Earth Art Sculpture and its historic perspectives. They study important Earth Art sculptors, notably Andy Goldsworthy and view works of important Earth Artists. They explore the basic use of digital cameras and journal...
Curated OER
Paul Gauguin Art: Opposite Colour Masterpieces
Students discover new art techniques by examining the work of Paul Gauguin and his use of opposite colors. In this art analysis lesson, students investigate the different perspectives and colors used in classic post impressionist...
Curated OER
Build-A-Bird
Young scholars create an imaginary bird. In this anatomy lesson, students analyze how artists represent birds historically, then determine the anatomical aspects that suit a bird to its habitat. Using this information, young scholars...
Curated OER
Art Exposes
Students view examples of art forms of specific artists. They choose one artist from the country they are studying and present information along with a slide show. Studenys create their own work of art in the style of their chosen...
Curated OER
Wherefore Art Thou, Art?
Students analyze various perspectives on the controversial "Sensation: Young British Artists From the Saatchi Collection" art exhibit on display at the Brooklyn Museum of Art.
Curated OER
Walk into the Desert, A Line and Wash Landscape
Learners discuss a landscape art print and its composition. They create a landscape underdrawing with foreground, middleground and background as well as repeated elements for rhythm. They add a watercolor wash and lights/darks for...
Curated OER
Design: Line
Middle schoolers employ an analysis and exploration of line use, to understand line in terms of design, style, and functionality. The learners experiment with line design. Understanding dynamic and diverse use of line will broaden...
Curated OER
A Bug's Journey
Students examine the artwork of John Baldessari that was inspired by a 16th century drawing of a beetle. They analyze a drawing of a beetle, discuss the insect's characteristics, and write a story from the perspective of a bug. Also,...
Curated OER
Historical Witness: Social Messaging
Students complete activities to study the propaganda elements from various war times. In this war propaganda lesson, students compare and contrast works of art from various viewpoints about war from varying social periods. Students...
Curated OER
Framing It
Students transform their everyday lives into artistic experiences. Based on "The Angel Project," students create an artistic project using their own school as both an inspiration and a backdrop.
Curated OER
Cultural Practices and Products of the Local Community
Third graders examine and compare practices and products of the cultural groups that have settled in the local area. Students develop and use graphic organizers to aid them in the comparison of artistic expression, places of worship,...
Curated OER
Materials and Process
Students examine the variety of materials an artist uses when drawing and consider the impact of the material choice. In this art analysis lesson plan, students consider the different materials used to make various drawings. Students...
Curated OER
The Industrial Revolustion
Students create artistic posters to show the differences between key vocabulary words. They show the differences between a rural, agrarian, urban, and industrial lifestyles. They evaluate the benefits and problems, the human and...
Curated OER
Native American Friendship Dance
The performing arts offer artistic perception, creative expression, historical and cultural context and aesthetic valuing. This dance helps students understand dance history and develops cultural awareness. Students are given the...