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…

Want to teach printmaking on a tight budget? Try using erasers! The size and shape does not matter--they are easy to cut and print beautifully. Have students place the eraser on white paper and trace around it. They should select a design and draw it in the traced space to fit the dimensions of the eraser. It is important that the design hits at…

Marbling paper is a favorite in many elementary classrooms. The marbling project described in this article, using a sunset and silhouette concept, is foolproof, inexpensive, and engaging. After looking at images of incredible sunsets for inspiration, each student uses marbling paper, black construction paper, three colors of chalk, and a tub of…

Just like the classroom, children's outdoor environments should be filled with artistic creations that add sparkle and imagination to the space. One of the author's favorite ways to add art to the outdoors is by installing a mosaic mural of child-made tiles. The process of making the tiles is fun for all; each tile is a charming work of art in…

Suggestions for 18 elementary classroom art projects. (CM)

Outlines a high school sculpture project using plaster and a vacuum forming machine. (SJL)

Describes student sculptures made from discarded materials, such as wire, tubing, and salt blocks. (SJL)

Briefly outlines three sculpture projects for secondary students, two using papier mache, one using wood. (SJL)

Described is the art of collecting grasses, canes, bamboo, willow, reeds, rushes and raffia, and forming them into baskets. These basketry methods can also be used to make animal-like forms, napkin rings, or decorative jewelry pieces. (KC)

It is suggested that sandstone makes a good inexpensive medium for sand sculpture. It is available at foundries, or it can be made out of sand. Two formulas for making sandstone are included. (KC)

One of the most common disposable materials in our society is polystyrene, of which grocery store meat trays, egg cartons, and several kinds of protective packing materials are made. Describes the characteristics of five different polystyrenes and some suggested uses for art classes. (RM)

A high school art teacher reports her classroom experiences with a new type of chemical paint-alkyds. (SJL)

This is the first in a series of articles discussing qualities of art materials commonly used and purchased in school art programs. These articles, written by manufacturers, are intended to help art teachers to identify standards of quality when purchasing or ordering art materials. Some art activities are also discussed. (Author/SJL)

Described is a Ceramic Clayathon, the purpose of which was to inspire and infuse spirit through the cross-fertilization of ideas. Four high schools were involved and events included no-handed-clay, tallest clay form, crazy coil, etc. Pictures of winning entries are included. (KC)

Lost-wax casting in sterling silver is a costly experience for the average high school student. However, this jewelry process can be learned at no cost if scrap aluminum is used instead of silver, and soap bars are used instead of wax. This lost-soap aluminum casting process is described. (Author/KC)