Most people think that the artist and the scientist live in two totally different worlds. However, art and science are only two different ways of understanding and knowing the world. To help intermediate students make a connection between art and science, a collection of hands-on activities have been developed. By engaging in these activities that…

This lesson plan introduces students (grades four-six) to Creole New Orleans architecture exemplified by "Sun Oak" in the Faubourg Marigny section of the city. Students will learn architectural terms; use line and shape in relation to architectural details; discuss why buildings work architecturally; and draw an historic building using…

Uses a print of Homer's painting, "The Fox Hunt," to introduce students in grades 4-6 to paintings of wildlife as both factual record and as a storytelling medium. Includes learning objectives, instructional strategies, and background information on the artist. (GEA)

Provides a lesson for grades four-six that develops students' ability to analyze a piece of furniture as a work of art which reflects the historical, social, and artistic values of the society that produced it. Students design their own chair based on the user's lifestyle, the chair's precise use and location, and the materials used. (LS)

Activities and resources developed for Indiana middle school teachers to use for instruction about Native Americans are included in this thematic instruction kit. The resource includes a film review, ideas for field trips, vocabulary words, and geographical information. Each activity lists materials, and directions, and identifies an arts…

Presents two classroom lessons designed to integrate language arts and art education into primary and intermediate grade social studies instruction. Provides step-by-step procedures and one student handout sheet. (CFR)

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)

Ten diagrams and step-by-step instructions for an art activity in which middle school students practice drawing in perspective are provided. Students practice basic rules of perspective such as (1) determining the horizon line or disappearing point, (2) drawing parallel lines and drawing above and below eye level. A brief test of teacher…

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)

The work of 20th century Latin American artists is featured in this curriculum, which is intended for use with students in grades 6 to 12. These materials are designed to introduce the arts into the social studies curriculum, and to show Latin American artists to be as intellectually and aesthetically sophisticated as their European and North…

This curriculum guide is developed to accompany 7 Chinese Cultural Heritage kits for use in intermediate and middle school classrooms. The units in this guide may be used with or without the accompanying kits. When appropriate, units include: objectives, introductory information, suggested presentation sequence, activity instruction, evaluation…

This teacher's guide gives practical suggestions for engaging intermediate level students in a study of portraits, based on the assumption that through the image both the sitter and artist reveal something about themselves and the intended purpose of the portrait. Organized in four chapters, Chapter 1, "Talking to the Wall," looks at the…

Maintains that research indicates that age is the primary factor influencing aesthetic response. Reports on a study of aesthetic preferences among 24 students at ages 8, 10, and 12. Finds that response style was a more significant factor than age. (CFR)

Contends that aesthetics can be be made understandable and relevant to students. Describes a classroom lesson in which middle school students learned about aesthetic theory through a hands-on activity. Includes instructional procedures and suggested art works for the activity. (CFR)

Illustrated with reproductions of Mayan art and architecture, this activity book contains readings and activities about the Maya, including bilingual lesson sheets. The materials link middle school classroom studies of Mayan culture with history, social studies, and community resources. Eight lesson units explore the central aspects of Mayan art.…