Curated OER
Abstractions/Gestures
Students examine and display the differences between literal, and non-literal movement and abstraction using a creative project in movement. This project originates as an individual item, culminating in a small group performance.
Curated OER
Scene Writing
Eighth graders create an original scene or short one-act play within specified guidelines. Assessment is based upon the performance of student-created scenes during class time. Rubrics for assessment and connection to state standards...
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Ceramics: A Vessel Into History
Young scholars examine ceramic vessels from different time periods. In this ceramic vessel instructional activity, students work in small groups to look at images of ceramic vessels from a number of time periods. They identify the...
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Improvising in the Birthplace of Jazz
Students recognize significant developments in New Orleans jazz music. They improvise blues licks using notes from a minor pentatonic scale.
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Performance Evaluation
Students evaluate in class performance of music previously prepared by the ensemble. The rubric and assessment criteria are adaptable to any orchestra setting which allows the teacher to choose music to be assessed. Critical thinking...
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Hispanic Celebration
Students are introduced to Mexico's culture, people, language and celebration of traditions. They develop their own Cultural Report Slide Show and are encouraged to do several activities on this topic.
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Literary Odyssey
High schoolers read and compare excerpts from The Odyssey and The Adventures of Telemachus. They create an original story based on a secondary character from The Odyssey as well as a sketch of one of the pivotal scenes from the story.
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Comparative Genocides
Learners examine genocidal events throughout history. Using the internet, they research these events and compare and contrast them with the Holocaust. They analyze the amount of inhumanity towards others throughout history. In groups,...
National First Ladies' Library
Movies for a Nickel! The Nickelodeon
Students identify and participate in this activity to identify and learn about the early history of the film industry, and consider the impact of movies on society ever since. Then they use the websites listed to study various aspects of...
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Drama: Julius Caesar Storyboard
Students create storyboards based on Julius Caesar using the device of framing to convey character information. After examining framing techniques in photographs from the Folger Theater, they discuss how they influence character...
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"I Will Hear That Play": Using Sound to Enhance the Text
Students become familiar with Foley artists and sound effects as they analyze a scene from A Midsumer Night's Dream. They record their own sound for another scene.
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Crafting a Character - The Making of Shylock
Students, in groups, analyze the characterization of Shakespeare's Shylock from "Merchant of Venice". They examine text, view movies and interpretative drawings and conduct historical research.
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Civil War Battlefields
Eighth graders research a specific battle of the U.S. Civil War. Using the Internet and the Encarta Encyclopedia they conduct research, and create and publish a travel brochure that incorporates historical and visual information about...
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Expressive Linear Sculpture
Students develop skill in utilizing line in a 3 dimensional context. They explore a variety of techniques for mounting sculptures to a base.
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Illustrated Words - colored pencils
High schoolers use images and lettering style to communicate the meaning of a specific word chosen for the composition. They make rich, smooth, layered areas of color using colored pencils.
Curated OER
Ceramics - Mask making - Sculpture
Students design a mask using cultural examples for inspiration - changing the meaning - conveying a special message about the times in which we live.
Curated OER
Text as Texture Collage
Students explore the concepts of rhythm, movement, contrast and texture. They practice using new vocabulary and work on creating a college after designing the arrangement. They self-evaluate their collage and critique their classmates...
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Cubism a Fractured Reality - Still Life With Collage Elements
Pupils gain an understanding and awareness for the cubist style of artists. They create a multi-media composition showing multiple views of various objects and a variety of textures.
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Oaxacan Animals
Students explore the wood carving techniques and artistic capacity of the Zapotec Indians and create a whimsical creature based on the wood carvings. The creature is made from newspaper and designed using paint pens.
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Monochromatic Photo Painting
Students use Photoshop to manipulate a digital photograph. They mix and paint a full range of values demonstrating care of materials and craftsmanship in painting. Color relationship is examined using copyright free images.
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Proto-Cubism: Thinking Like Picasso
Eighth graders create blind contour drawn portraits. They work in small groups and pose for each other, creating portraits that express multiple points of view. Students also view a PowerPoint presentation on Cubism and complete a...
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Painting - Architecture Study
Students study architectural elements, then develop a strong composition from an interior photographs. They explore color planning by developing a painting with a variety of values.
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3-D Logo Design - Cardboard Sculpture
Students define, design, and create a 3-D logo using cardboard.
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Digital Self Portraits
Students use digital cameras and computers to create their own self-portrait. After taking their picture, they download the image and use brush and shape tools, colors and the elements of design to create a distorted portrait of...