It's easy to see the connections between science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) in daily life, but they may not be so obvious in the classroom. This month's lessons allow students to explore the components of STEAM through a favorite art supply, the crayon, and a beloved American tradition, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day…

Describes an interdisciplinary urban studies project for third graders, in which the children created, ran, and built a model of an imaginary city. (SJL)

In an eight-week project, an award-winning children's book author and illustrator helped third grade students create impressive artwork. Children worked in pairs to create collaborative drawings, and they gained confidence in their artistic abilities over time. The project developed strategies for use by classroom teachers. (SM)

Describes a lesson plan used to introduce K-3 students to a Canadian Inuit artist, to the personal and cultural context of the artwork, and to a simple printmaking technique. Includes background information on the artist, instructional strategies, and a print of the artist's "Young Owl Takes a Ride." (GEA)

Continues a series of articles on art projects incorporating the use of alphabetical or numerical symbols. Describes a project in which third-grade students incorporated Native American art motifs and symbols into large-scale paintings of letters of the alphabet. Notes discoveries made by students in the course of their projects. (DSK)

The elementary art program level 1 (grades 1 and 2), level 2 (grades 3 and 4), and level 3 (grades 5 and 6) is a unified, sequential course which focuses on 4 major concepts of visual learning. The concepts are: reflection--the response to visual forms in nature, designed objects and artworks; depiction--the development of imagery based on…

Presents a lesson that introduces students in grades K-three to sources of design inspiration in contemporary urban settings. Using Don Eddy's painting of a jewelry store window display, asks students to describe and analyze the interplay of shape, pattern, and color. Suggests studio activities, including an activity in which students build a…

How third, fifth, and sixth graders made sculptures from polystyrene strips is described. Specific instructions for introducing the lesson are provided. (RM)

Third- and fourth-grade volunteers created two large murals at Nishuane Elementary School. This article is one of four in this issue on elementary mural projects. (SJL)

Describes how third grade students learned about fresco paintings in Pompeii and made their own frescoes by pouring plaster into styrofoam trays and painting the surface. Students discovered they could control the paint better because of the porous surface of the plaster. (KM)

This thematic unit involves 2nd and 3rd grade students in an in-depth study of wild animals and their habitats. The interdisciplinary unit connects knowledge related to art, language arts, applied mathematics, social studies, and science. Students think about different types of animals from around the world and consider how they are alike and…

Presented are environmental education lessons adapted for use by third-grade teachers in Pinellas County, Florida. Six conceptual schemes provide the manual's organizational framework: interrelationships, heredity and environment, change, effects of population growth, finite resources, and environmental responsibility. Following a discussion of…

Introducing children to well written and beautifully illustrated books will help build basic skills while providing for the aesthetic need for beauty and pleasure. This lesson is designed as an integrated literature and visual arts lesson, revolving around the story book, "Owl Moon," written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by John…

This curriculum guide contains 45 interdisciplinary energy and environmental education activities to help students apply knowledge of energy uses to energy conservation in the home and develop an awareness of their own social responsibilities for energy consumption. Each activity, designed to meet one of six objectives, includes: (1) statement of…

Describes a third and fifth grade social studies curriculum in a New York City school where social studies is integrated into every subject area of the curriculum. The unit on the North American Indians included making musical instruments, wearing and sewing authentic clothes, and planting and cooking food in traditional ways. (GG)