Innovation and learning come together in a vibrant manner during dynamic arts education classes led by teachers who understand the importance of collaboration and student improvisation.

The author teaches clay vessel construction in the fifth grade, and it is amazing what can be accomplished in one forty-five minute period when the expectations are clarified in the initial lesson. The author introduces clay coil vessels with a discussion of the sources of clay and how clay relates to fifth-grade science curriculum concepts such…

Anna Mary Robertson Moses, popularly known as Grandma Moses, may be the most famous American folk artist. A fortuitous combination of original vision, innate talent, spunky character, and long life, Moses is known for her landscapes that depict nostalgic views of country life. In this article, the author describes an art activity she introduced to…

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

Analyzed three fifth-grade textbook series and the teachers' editions for the distribution of artistic forms of representation and the social studies content with which those representations were associated. Found that visual art was the primary representational form and was used as evidence for students to perceive and respond to when studying…

Presents a lesson plan which uses Richard Tuttle's "Monkey's Recovery" to introduce students in grades four to six to contemporary nonrepresentational sculpture and to the critical discussion of the assemblage art-making process. Includes student objectives, background information on the artist, instructional strategies, evaluation…

Describes an art project that relates a fifth grade arithmetic lesson with a drawing assignment. Students first learned to enlarge a drawing on a grid, and then were given a segment of a cut-up reproduction of a Picasso painting and asked to enlarge and duplicate their portion. Completed pieces were combined for the final product. (LS)

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)

Reports a study of 56 fifth graders that questioned whether the cognitive style of reflection-impulsivity could be measured by students' performance on 2 art-related tests. Found that cognitive style was not a strong predictor of artistic performance. (GG)

Discusses three issues pertaining to the use of interactive graphic hardware and software in schools: (1) computer graphic production processes; (2) the social dynamics of computer graphics production in school; and (3) the qualities of imagery. Concludes that art educators must consider what particular art concepts could and should be taught…

This career education activity manual for elementary teachers of fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students is intended to be used either as a supplement to a career education program or as an independent program in itself. Activities are designed to help students become aware of self, develop an understanding of sexism, and recognize their unique…

Describes a fifth grade social studies unit on ancient civilizations that includes a comprehensive history of ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece and integrates studio art, art history, library science, social studies, and computer literacy programs. Students utilize the library to do research and develop an oral presentation while also working on…

Describes how "The Odyssey" is taught to fifth graders as a part of a study of ancient civilizations. Beginning with a storyteller's version of the tale, the children hear, read, discuss, and write about parts of the story. Learning activities and resources are described. (LMO)

Focusing on the creative process, this guide enables teachers to encourage elementary students to learn more about art through active participation. A series of activities for kindergarten to sixth grade emphasize art ideas and concepts that are important in an artist's work. Each activity includes concepts, objectives, elements of art, principles…

Designed to accompany the "Elementary Art Curriculum Guide," this resource is divided into 3 levels: level 1 grades 1-2, level 2 grades 3-4, and level 3 grades 5-6. The material is presented in a standardized format which includes four major components: reflection, depiction, composition, and expression. Once a concept has been chosen,…