Curated OER
Vivacious Vocabulary
Middle schoolers practice looking up the definitions of words using a dictionary. They put the defintion of the word into their own words. They create a PowerPoint slideshow to show illustrations related to their vocabulary words. Using...
Curated OER
A look at our larger population
Student team together to tell the story of the U.S.'s rapid population growth. Students research census changes, focusing on changes in the size of the community and the school. Students tell the story by writing articles and presenting...
Curated OER
Journalism: Bullying Research
Students, after conducting extensive research about bullying, assemble their information into written and visual presentations. They write articles, conduct surveys, and develop infographics and other visuals.
Curated OER
Listening to Airplane Announcements in Movies
Third graders listen to and practice in comprehending airplane announcements. They determine the predictability of these announcements.
Curated OER
Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman
Do your young readers know that poems can be performed as a team? They listen to a few examples from Paul Fleischman's book Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices, paying attention to how the how readers work together. They examine the...
Smarter Balanced
Intellectual Property
To prepare for a study of intellectual property rights, (or an assessment) introduce your learners to the legal concepts and key vocabulary associated with the debate. After defining intellectual property, copyright, fair use, and...
University of Southern California
Coming to America After the War
As part of their exploration of the American dream, class members examine primary source materials to compare immigrant experiences of those arriving early in our country's history to those arriving in the US after World War II. To...
Curated OER
Spice Container
Sixth graders examine and identify classic Greek and Roman motifs on spice containers. They analyze the process of casting and chiseling silver, and design and create a spice container using classic Greek and Roman design elements.
Curated OER
Corn Prints and Henri Matisse
Fourth graders observe prints and paintings as the teacher discusses various design elements (repetition, variety, texture, pattern, etc.) used by the artist Henri Matisse. They look at and discuss Indian corn and then make a print that...
Curated OER
Structural Stability - Legos
Pupils are introduced to a variety of design elements that promote structural stability including beams, joints and pins. They demonstrate the use of these elements with Lego constructions and compare the stability of several constructions.
Curated OER
BASKET MAKING
Pupils create individual basket plaques emphasizing Native American techniques and designs. Students learn to identify Native American tribal symbols and incorporate them into their basket plaque.
Curated OER
Mondrian and Matisse: Combining Styles
Fourth graders create artwork using the pure elements of line, shape, and color as the subject matter. The artwork is then cut or torn into organic shapes which are then glued onto a background paper, leaving areas of paper showing in...
Curated OER
Texture, Texture, Read All About It
Fourth graders use clay to create a slab vase with a surface design that emphasizes the elements shape and texture. They complete a self-evaluation of their project which is imbedded in this plan.
Curated OER
Miniature Landscapes
Learners demonstrate their knowledge of the elements of design by creating a pair of textured collages. They visually communicate the feeling of landscapes at different times of day by carefully selecting paper because of color or texture.
Curated OER
The Greek Temple
Learners engage in a lesson about the traditional Greek Temples and reflect upon how they are considered a work of art in modern times. They look at the architectural features that include the stylobate, columns, and the cornice. They...
Curated OER
Postcards to Rembrandt
Students "read" a work of art and infer meaning by analyzing its elements of art and principles of design. They practice creative writing by composing a postcard to an imaginary person.
Curated OER
Ceramics: A Vessel into History
Students create a ceramic vessel, discuss their artistic choices, and identify elements derived from historical examples. In this ceramics lesson, students identify symbols and imagery that are connected to a specific culture or period,...
Curated OER
Printmaking - Multi-plate Relief Prints
Students create a print using multiple blocks, utilize elements and principles of design in creating a strong design, and demonstrate skill in carving the block and registration of colors. They show appreciation and awareness of the work...
Curated OER
Renkly Relief/Collage Painting
Students study the use of texture, and rhythm as a principle of design when showing movement in a painting.
Curated OER
Non-Objective Constructed Sculpture
Students begin their examination of non-objective artwork. Individually, they participate in activities in which they take designs within other images and use them for their focus in their art. They create a sculpture with the new...
Curated OER
Japanese Stone Lanterns: Culture and Decoration in the Japanese Garden
Pupils examine and discuss the many decorative elements in the Japanese garden. They learn about Japanese gardens and lanterns and create their own model out of clay.
Curated OER
Piecing: Expanding the Basics
Students review and discover new techniques to use on their quilts. As a class, they watch a demonstration on piecing fabrics together and the different stitching that can be used. They share their designs with the class and receive...
Curated OER
Puebla Patterned Pots
Sixth graders examine and discuss the characteristics of tin glazed earthenware pottery of Colonial Mexico. They design and create their own Talavera-style plate by applying the concept of radial symmetry.
Curated OER
Chairs, Chairs, Everywhere...
Middle schoolers generalize about a variety of designs of inventions. Students respond to a variety of visual designs. Middle schoolers become aware of the multitude of design variations in everyday objects.