One of the most effective methods for teaching social studies events, concepts, and issues incorporates the fine arts into lesson plans. The fine arts, such as photography, architecture, paintings, tapestries, and sculptures reflect the core cultural values, political ideals, and religious beliefs of a civilization and offer excellent…

When artists are inspired to travel in Europe to study art and history of the Western world, Italy is a good place to start. With its ancient architecture, rich cultural heritage, and superb works of art, Italy has been the quintessential center of Western art history for centuries. It was the good fortune of Alabama-based artist and teacher…

This article discusses a relatively new trend in assessment in American history education which offers interesting opportunities to inject the arts into mainstream education in ways that could provide a catalyst for engagement with social justice issues. Document-based questions (DBQs) on statewide social studies assessments afford art and social…

The 20th of January 2009, will always be known as the date of the inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States. The journey--historically, socially and emotionally--has been a long one. The story of race relations in America, from exploitation to excellence, has been told by many in various forms, from song and dance…

Explores the work of Frederic Remington, an illustrator who presented an image of the U.S. western frontier that was more myth than reality. Includes excerpts from "The Significance of the Frontier in American History" by Frederick Jackson Turner. Presents a lesson where students find connections between Turner and Remington's views of…

Focuses on the artwork of Larry Rivers as a means to integrate art and history. Discusses a project completed by preservice teachers in which they created a Rivers-style mural for the Ronald Reagan Elementary School (Bakersville, California), depicting the life and contributions of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. (CMK)

Discusses the life and artwork of Bill Traylor, who started his art career late in life, focusing on his work "Scary Creature." Provides accompanying project ideas in the areas of history/technology, theater, language arts, debate, social studies, visual arts, and mathematics. (CMK)

Presents background information on the life and career of George Luks. Describes one of his paintings called "Tea Party" that pokes fun at the upper classes while paying homage to humanity. Includes activities in literature, social studies, science, mathematics, history, and visual arts. (CMK)

Focuses on the artwork of William Christenberry, specifically on his work "Alabama Wall (Variant)," which was constructed with remnants of material culture found along Alabama rural roads. Includes a reproduction of this artwork and activities for natural science, language arts, visual arts, social studies, and history/economics. (CMK)

This teacher's guide was designed to accompany 16 short video programs that trace the social and cultural development of the United States and show that today's society is the result of diverse historical events, ideas, and people. The guide provides program summaries, ideas for discussion, review questions, and extra credit projects. Spanish,…