Curated OER
Lucha Music
Middle schoolers listen to four styles of Mexican music, and create percussion instruments which they use to play each style. Additionally, learners create Lucha Libre masks which are also a part of the colorful culture of Mexico. These...
Curated OER
The Tale of Genji
Did you know that the world's first novel was written by a woman? Murasaki Shikibu's The Tale of Genji, was published in 1021. Class members research Eastern and Western cultures in the 10th and 11th centuries, view modern adaptations of...
Curated OER
Photo/Mat Weaving
Learners explore the art of mat weaving. In this tapestry lesson, students create maps with paper or photographs. Learners understand age appropriate skills and technique of map weaving. Students learn the cultural aspects of map weaving.
Curated OER
Developing Characterizations by Creating Stereotypes
Students examine past and present cultures through theater. They interpret how theater reflects society. Students engage in the process that constitutes creation and performance in the theater. Students explore the forces that shape...
Curated OER
Native American Flutes - Activity 1
Students discuss Native American culture and musical techniques after viewing a video of Charles Littleleaf, a member of the Warm Springs tribe and a creator of Native American wood flutes.
Curated OER
"The Star-Spangled Banner"
Learners perform a song using correct posture, correct rhythms, and accurate pitches. They read musical notation and lyrics of various patriotic tunes, analyze the purpose and meaning of patriotic songs, discuss the social and cultural...
Curated OER
Warhol and Collaboration
Students view images of Warhol/Basquiat collaboration and discuss them using the questions listed in the lesson. They work in groups to choose a theme or topic relating to American culture and discuss ideas about symbols that could be...
Curated OER
Concepts of Beauty Put Into Words
Studying haiku poetry with your English class? Delving into Japanese history with your world history class? Here is an authentic and creative way to explore Japanese culture more deeply. Pupils will compare and contrast two tea caddies...
Denver Art Museum
From the Hat’s Point of View
Here is a lesson designed for pre-schoolers and kindergartners that will pique their imaginations. They study images of a very interesting ceremonial hat from China's past called a Summer Official's Hat. These hats were worn by people of...
Curated OER
Using Songs in the Foreign Language Classroom
Students focus on their required lessons in Spanish by integrating music and songs as they complete their assignments. They assess the vocabulary, grammar patterns and culture associated with music and various different songs. Each...
Curated OER
Papier-mache Bowl
Bowls are useful and can be quite beautiful. The steps needed to create bowls out of papier-mache are outlined in this step-by-step art lesson. Tip: Discuss the origin of papier-mache, various cultures that have used it, and how it has...
Curated OER
Traditional Japanese Dance
Students study introductory history and cultural purposes of selected Japanese dance forms. They analyze the philosophical beliefs, social systems, and movement norms that influence the function and role of Japanese dance in the lives...
Curated OER
History and Culture of Greece
A study of the history of Greece can include research on individuals, such as Artistotle, that made this country famous.
Curated OER
Mary Todd Tours the World
Pupils analyze how distinguishing another culture encourages us to respect each other. They research culture and all its avenues, recognizing and comprehending the relationship between people and geography. Ultimately, they can apply...
Curated OER
Northwest Coast Indians: Spring and Summer Salmon
Here is a fabulous lesson about the cultures of the Northwest Indians. Through an exploration of a story about the Salmon People, learners study the practice of harvesting salmon and the cultural importance of salmon to the Northwest...
Smithsonian Institution
The Birth of an Icon: Learning and Performing the Origins of the Drum Set and Early Jazz Drumming in New Orleans, Louisiana
Bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, cymbals. Perched behind their drum sets, wielding their drum sticks and wire brushes, drummers lay the grove and are the heartbeat of a band's performance. A dynamic lesson introduces young musicians to...
Curated OER
Pop Tart or Pop Art?
Students explore pop art. They research the history of pop art and identify artist (s) responsible for this movement. Students produce a print using images from our culture. Additional cross curriculum activities are included.
Curated OER
Hispanic Arts and Culture Unit: Visual Arts, Dance, and Music
Students learn about Latin American dance and rhythm in different forms and participate in dancing. For this Latin American lesson plan, students also analyze Latin American paintings.
Curated OER
Hawaii: Art and Its People
Young scholars explore the cultural history of Hawaii and experience the visual art of printmaking, papermaking and sculpture as incorporated into the ancient Hawaiian art of Petroglyphs, Kapa, and Woodcarving.
Curated OER
View: Visual Inquiry/Experience in Writing
Learners discuss the importance of having good observational skills. Using artifacts, they discuss what can and cannot be told about previous cultures. They use their observations to write a paper about the culture and use the internet...
Curated OER
Pop Art Ice Cream Painting
Students develop skills in painting and create a painting of an ice cream cone using Pop Art as in inspiration.
Curated OER
African Art is Alive: Drum, Dance, Storytelling....
Young scholars investigate and experience African culture through various art forms. Students explore the physical and political geographies of Africa through mapping activities. Young scholars, in groups, prepare presentations about...
Curated OER
Power of Symbols in West African Art
High schoolers examine and analyze symbols used in the Asante community of Ghana and look at the history of power struggles in West Africa. They discover how to express meaning and power as they create their own symbols and short...
Curated OER
Pop Culture Icons: Medieval Music
Kids compare and contrast music from the past to the present. They listen to and review the characteristics of Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, and Pop music. Then, they discuss the differences in each and how musical icons from the past...