Vacation Matrix

Learners write letters of the alphabet and explore how decorated letters can be used to convey stories or symbolic ideas. For this decorating alphabet lesson, students create an “illuminated” alphabet in which each letter conveys...

Explore the hidden meanings behind the images on US currency with this elementary school lesson on symbolism. Starting with a class discussion about symbols, children go on to brainstorm different objects that represent the Unites States...

Each color holds its own feeling and these feelings are used to describe the four seasons. Youngsters create a color palate based on the four seasons, assigning various colors to each season. They each create four clay tiles, painting...

Young historians take a look at how the Indian tribes of California promoted a mindful relationship between people and the land. They begin to understand how the Indians were champions of conservation, and at preserving the natural...

Students develop an awareness of environmental print, such as signs, logos, brand names, and other print and non-print items that the children see and read in their neighborhood each day. They then engage in active problem solving as...

Learners complete a drawing based on a set of instructions. They discover how their classmates have a different drawing based on the same instructions. They discuss how they completed the assignment as a class.

Learners investigate the important symbols to Native cultures by writing a poem.  In this animal totem lesson, students discuss animal spirits and their relation to the Native American lifestyle. Learners write a cinquain poem about a...

Students create comic strips to communicate ideas that cannot be expressed through words alone.

Students study the use of symbols in cultural art and create a collage of their hand prints. In this symbolism and art lesson, students learn about the use of symbolism in cultural art by studying the Moroccan art design called a Khamsa....

Students take an imaginary vacation at the J. Paul Getty Museum. They participate in six activities while writing, observing and sketching works of art.