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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wired with Alexander Calder

For Teachers 4th - 12th
Kids consider how the body functions and moves, how each structure has a specific movement and purpose. They apply that idea as they construct a sculptural piece that moves. For inspiration they look to the work of Alexander Calder,...
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Lesson Plan
Marilyn J. Brackney

Imagination Factory: Create a Butterfly Mobile

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This site provides information on Alexander Calder, the inventor of the kinetic sculpture known as the mobile, as well as detailed instructions on how to create your own butterfly mobile. Included are "Tips and Tricks" to making "a more...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian American Art Museum: Alexander Calder

For Students 9th - 10th
Alexander Calder is profiled at this site in a format that begins with a brief biographical sketch of his life. His works are then listed by appearance in the museum's database. Each work is presented in thumbnail format with brief...
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Activity
South Carolina Educational Television

Etv: Artopia: Sculpture Critic: Bird by Alexander Calder

For Students 9th - 10th
One-page article explainshow Alexander Calder uses humor in this hanging art piece called Bird, describes how the mobile is constructed, and gives a short biography of the artist. Students can then answer questions about the sculpture,...
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: Calder's Portraits: A New Perspective

For Students 9th - 10th
Exhibit of Calder's work in portraiture and the expressive capabilities of wire, his favorite medium.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian American Art Museum: A. Stirling Calder

For Students 9th - 10th
As part of the Smithsonian Art Museum's database of artists, A. Stirling Calder is described here along with information on his contributions to art through sculpture. Calder comes from a line of sculptors including his father, Alexander...