Students explore the controversy over the recent FCC vote to loosen restrictions on media ownership. After researching the background and position of local radio stations, students evaluate and make recommendations about free speech.

Older learners analyze a controversial painting entitled The Cutting Scene, Mandan O-kee-pa Ceremony 1832. They use the issues raised in the image to construct debate arguments questioning if the artist's painting exploits Native...

Art is a form of expression that can be controversial, obtuse, and completely driven by the political and social times. Explore Nouveau Realism and Pop Art, which exemplify the nature of modern thought and expression. This visually rich...

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.

See the changes, controversy, and innovations that define postwar American art. The onset of the modern art era in American history is well-defined in this slide-show. You'll see how Abstract Expressionism shifted into conceptual, pop,...

Students complete a survey to explore the popularity of Harry Potter books.  In this literature and controversy lesson, students examine why certain books are controversial or popular. Students write original plays about their...

Students explore the controversy surrounding recently published Danish political cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad.

Learners after researching the science and the controversy around stem cell research, students create brochures to display their knowledge and a point of view.

Students widen their understanding of the different points of view surrounding current news topics. They research a current controversy on which public opinion is divided and write a concise commentary on the topic expressing a strong...

Pupils research different perspectives and debate environmental issues. They consider different viewpoints when proposing solutions.

Students create "SUNSET SILHOUETTES" using primary colors, black construction paper, and glue in this elementary-level Art lesson plan. The lesson plan extension included with this lesson plan involves creating a nativity scene and...

Eleventh graders analyze the lyrics of protest music. In this Vietnam War lesson, 11th graders examine conflict as they consider the controversial nature of the war as evidenced in song lyrics. Students also consider the Iraq War and its...

Students consider criteria for art and explore three works of art that challenge their definitions. In this art analysis lesson, students consider their definitions of art and how Dada and Surrealist artists challenged the conventions....

Learners review various scenarios in regards to the water cycle to determine what the best solution is to the problem. Students write their opinions on the controversies.

Students examine the reasons and controversy regarding Sam Cooke's transition from gospel to pop.

Students research and debate the British Museum's ownership of the friezes from the Parthenon and Acropolis. Art controversy is discussed in this one-day lesson involving three groups of students within the class.

Students create their own personalized Zodiac page on a word processing document after researching and discussing the origins of Zodiak signs. This instructional activity does include resource links and may be controversial.

Examine how art and music can be powerful tools for conveying a political or social message. After considering the issues surrounding rapper Paris, students design their own album covers that reflect their political and/or social...

Scholars assess a government's ability to intervene in personal health decisions. They research basic facts about euthanasia and describe their opinions about new legislation passed in the United States Congress about an individual's...

Five segements from Ken Burns' documentary series Prohibition, easily accessed on the PBS website, are at the center of a terrific short unit on the roots of America's ambivalent relationship with alcohol. Engage your secondary...

Tenth graders discuss collage and photomontage techniques and artists, and how the art form can convey cultural or current issues. They research a collage artist, then design a topical or personally symbolic collage. Present their...

Learners examine factors that affect conservation of art works after identifying the nine agents of deterioration. They study techniques and thought processes behind art conservation.

Twelfth graders consider art as a medium to convey information and opinions on social conflict and issues. They analyze images from the Crocker Art Museum, discuss their effectiveness in raising awareness of an issue, and create a...

A carefully crafted three-day lesson integrates poetry and visual art. By analyzing and comparing Langston Hughes' poem "Mother and Son" and Romare Bearden's collage "The Dove," readers explore the theme of hope. The lesson activates...