Objects of material culture have meaning. American flags, worktables, bulletin boards, interactive whiteboards, and large white-faced clocks signify "classroom" while color wheels, cupboards, cabinets, sinks, drawing supplies, and that particular scent that lingers after years of exposure to painting materials even more specifically…

This lesson plan introduces students (grades four-six) to Creole New Orleans architecture exemplified by "Sun Oak" in the Faubourg Marigny section of the city. Students will learn architectural terms; use line and shape in relation to architectural details; discuss why buildings work architecturally; and draw an historic building using…

Provides a lesson for grades four-six that develops students' ability to analyze a piece of furniture as a work of art which reflects the historical, social, and artistic values of the society that produced it. Students design their own chair based on the user's lifestyle, the chair's precise use and location, and the materials used. (LS)

This lesson plan introduces seventh-ninth graders to Frank Lloyd Wright and shows how nature influenced and inspired the design of his home and studio. Students will: identify natural design elements from the house, apply their awareness of form to their own natural and built environment, and create designs based on natural forms they find…

Examines postmodernist art and its impact on architecture and visual art in the United States. States that this genre of art has affected dramatically object art, such as furniture design. Contends that postmodernism can be traced through societal and personal histories. (CFR)

Argues that drawing in art is a visual, intellectual, and emotional act. Provides suggestions for helping students understand these three perceptions. Discusses the impact on curriculum design in art education. (CFR)

Presents lesson plans for grades K-3 based on 4 well-known paintings Discusses historical background and cultural impact of the paintings. Provides student activities and assessment suggestions. (CFR)

Contends that picture books can be valuable resources for teaching art appreciation and criticism. Provides suggested activities keyed to specific books. Includes a bibliography of recommended picture books selected for this approach. (CFR)

Presents a lesson that introduces students in grades K-three to medieval tapestry and how tapestries can symbolically communicate stories. Students design their own tapestry based on an allegory written by the class. Provides background information, instructional strategies, and activities for student evaluation. (LS)

Recommends using an activity-based approach to art history similar to that of the "new social studies" movement of the 1960s. Provides suggestions for activities related to art criticism, style, and inductive learning. Concludes that student activities can help integrate art history and studio art in art education programs. (CFR)

Describes a lesson plan that introduces students in grades 10-12 to the decorative arts as a vehicle for exploring the cultural framework as a means of communicating various aspects of the human experience. Students design a story cloth based on a visual symbol they have developed to represent a human issue such as famine or war. (LS)

Maintains that teachers and artists are alike in that they are communicators, inquirers, required to know themselves, trained to think qualitatively, concerned with technique, and evaluated by their work. Argues that using the model of the teacher as artist is superior to using only technical and quantifiable methods. (CFR)

Describes a college level art history course based on the opposing concepts of Classicism and Romanticism. Contends that all creative work, such as film or architecture, can be categorized according to this bipolar model. Includes suggestions for objects to study and recommends this approach for art education at all education levels. (CFR)

Presents an instructional unit containing five activities centered around paintings by Leon Golub. Helps students understand the processes of art criticism and the social context in which art works are analyzed and criticized. Provides guidelines and questions for a comparative analysis of three contemporary art critics. (CFR)

This lesson plan introduces K-grade three students to Mexican Indian architecture. Students will become familiar with the cultural context of the Indian treasure house; discuss the use of wood as the sole building material; compare the treasure house with present day structures; and create miniature treasure houses using wood materials. (GEA)