One source of materials for art education historical research, which has barely been tapped in the United States, is ephemera, casual bits of handwritten and printed paper used in daily life. These circulated images and documents convey actual practices, commitments, and attitudes of people. (IS)

Presents a lesson plan for 4th and 5th grade students presenting four views of U.S. artistic responses to nature, society, and technological advances. States the goal is for students to analyze, compare, and contrast how artists define the United States. (DAJ)

Presents a collection of questions that fifth-grade students asked about African artwork and answers provided by staff from the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. Observes that students' interest in important visual aspects of the art creates lead-ins to more detailed discussions of West African art and culture. (DSK)

Presents an instructional resource consisting of 4 18th-century Japanese prints combined with discussion questions and related activities for grades 6-12. The prints illustrate various aspects of a society in transition. Includes background material on 18th-century Japan and the prints. (MJP)

Provides a series of instructional activities and material concerning African art. Includes four color plates of African artwork. Accompanying materials include cultural, historical background information on each piece, as well as, learning activities. Artwork is from Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zaire. (MJP)