This article describes a joint effort between a mathematics educator and a middle school art teacher who wanted their students to experience first hand how construction works in the real world. It starts with students designing and building scale models for a large inflatable item in which they display their art and extends to building the…

These learning activities are designed for use in the classroom or at home when activities for special moments are needed. They can be introduced with a minimum amount of preparation and materials and a maximum amount of success. They are intended to give children a learning experience that is fun while developing imagination and creative…

The process of "webbing" is described as a valuable technique for organizing teaching activities around a theme. Two examples are illustrated using the broad topics of "change" and "fall." Suggestions are made for carrying out the fall theme by taking children on outdoor walks for the purpose of observing, examining,…

In times past art instruction for young children was integrated with other subject matters. Integration provides more meaningful experiences than can be achieved through separate study of narrowly defined subjects. (RM)

Fifteen activities that interrelate art and reading are described. The activities can be used with elementary school children. (RM)

Seventh and eighth grade students chose to spend a full year in a performing arts class rather than in separate classes of arts and crafts, shop and homemaking in a project involving each of these areas. (Author/CB)

Considers the importance of teachers learning about an artistic discipline in much the same way that language arts teachers are encouraged to write. Discusses knowing what materials can do, making materials mean something, and children's artistic intentions. Visits two second-grade classrooms in which working with clay invites students to think…

The U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Schools exhibit best practices in art education, embodying high accomplishment, lofty aspirations, and transformative ideas. Principals should extend arts education offerings to all students; use the arts to enhance teaching, learning, and assessment of other subjects; capitalize on newer technologies;…

In this article, the author describes an interdisciplinary and interactive lesson --"Meet the Artist"--that not only is a great way to introduce elementary school students to art history, but also encompasses writing, research, computer skills and the creation of art.

From papier mache to plaster and paper to moulage, making masks is a popular activity for both art educators and students around the world. Masks have been and are currently used by many cultures/societies for specific cultural rituals and spiritual, metaphorical, role-playing, and theatrical reasons. In short, their use and their creation are…

Students' natural curiosity provides a rich opportunity for teachers to make meaningful scientific connections between art and ceramics that will enhance the understanding of both natural forces and scientific aspects at work in the creation of clay artworks. This article discusses the scientific areas of study related to clay, which include…

It can be a challenge to introduce students to a world region with the cultural diversity and rich history of Latin America. In this article, the author suggests four thematic units that enable teachers to identify both general trends and important differences in the region: (1) race/ethnicity; (2) progress and civilization; (3) conflict and…

Designed for teachers of early childhood or special education students, this guide contains instructions and illustrations for classroom activities for the months of September, October, and November. Most of the activities involve art projects and many incorporate teaching in other subject areas such as mathematics, language arts, science, and…

This guide attempts to provide an overview of environmentally-related art experiences already in various curriculum guides, to introduce new experiences, and generally to emphasize the vital interrelationship that exists between environmental concern and the art process. There is a division into three main areas: our natural environment, our…

Described is a project which made the study of Black history more real to fifth graders by having them make wire jewelry, smaller versions of the ornate filigreed ironwork produced by slave blacksmiths. (RM)