Discusses a painting unit for kindergarten that focuses on color mixing and brush stroke techniques. Students paint a picture of their favorite animal. Describes the unit, listing the materials needed and including sample paintings. (CMK)

Describes an interdisciplinary activity combining visual and language arts. First grade students explore the meaning of "Starry Crown" by John Biggers through the use of student-generated interrogative and demonstrative sentences. Lists the materials needed and provides information about John Biggers and the "Starry Crown." (CMK)

Discusses Vincent Van Gogh's painting "Starry Night" and describes a lesson where fifth- and sixth-grade students created their own version of the artwork. Explains that the students utilized four colors of Permoplast clay, using their hands and fingers as brushes and blending tools and the clay as paint. (CMK)

Provides background information on an expedition up the Missouri River led by the German Prince Maximillian who hired the artist Karl Bodmer to record everything he observed. Includes various activities and a reproduction of Bodmer's artwork "View of the Stone Walls." Offers a description of the painting that he did on the expedition. (CMK)

Describes an activity that takes two class periods where fifth-grade students created hand-built pots. Explains that each child receives a clay slab. Discusses how to make the major part of the pot from two pinch pots and how to create the neck and foot. (CMK)

Describes the process for creating a baker's-dough mural that would become a permanent part of the community and relates a visit made to the Sacramento (California) Boys & Girls Club by General Colin Powell. Discusses Powell's part in creating the mural. Includes the steps for how to make a Baker's-dough mural. (CMK)

Discusses four different ways art teachers can take advantage of the local newspapers in their area: (1) write press releases; (2) ask a reporter to cover school "art news"; (3) take advantage of "Newspapers in Education" programs; and (4) submit student artwork to contests. (CMK)

Presents an activity for fourth-grade students where they learn about the French artist Edgar Degas through visualization and role-playing in which the students "visit" Degas' studio in 19th century Paris (France). Includes the objectives and goals of the lesson, materials needed, and helpful hints. (CMK)

States that Prague, the capital of the Czech-Republic, is a virtual art museum because of the number of architectural styles and other artworks throughout the city. Explores the various architectural styles that are present in the city from the Gothic monasteries and churches to examples of contemporary styles. (CMK)

Describes an art activity where kindergarten students learned about different art styles and approaches and then created their own self-portraits. Explains that the lesson could work with other elementary grades. Lists different visuals that were used as inspiration for the lesson, the materials, and learning objectives. (CMK)

Presents an interview with ceramic artist, Betty Spindler, who overcame a learning disability and earned associate and bachelor degrees in art. Explains that she creates ceramic sculptures of fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and other everyday items. Presents a project where children create their own fruit. (CMK)

Provides an interview with Ken Young, a retired art teacher, who in order to gain students' interest in art history impersonates various artists by researching their backgrounds and dressing up in costume. Focuses on why he began impersonation, his research on the artists, makeup, and his experiences with impersonating artists. (CMK)

Describes a lesson plan designed for first- through fifth-grade students in which they made their own impressionist-style artworks. Explains that the lesson was introduced with a discussion on Claude Monet, his many art prints, and the impressionist genre. Explores the differences between things of nature and man-made objects. Notes materials and…

Presents two activities that enable students to work with clay: a tile project and turkey candle-holders. Explains that before students actually create their own projects, they get an opportunity to experience the clay itself. Asserts that the new vocabulary, unusual equipment, and intriguing techniques make ceramics a motivating activity. (CMK)

Presents an integrated science and art lesson for first-grade students. Explains that first the students examined various machines by taking them apart and then they utilized that knowledge to draw their own inventions. States that this lesson provides students with a chance to develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. (CMK)