Curated OER
Art of Mask Making
Students make an African mask. In this culture and heritage lesson, students view samples of African masks and learn about the importance of these masks. Students visit the African Art Museum website to view the styles of mask making. ...
Curated OER
History on Film: Creating Heritage Moments
Fifth graders examine significant events in fur trade history. In small groups, they conduct research, develop and write a script, and create a videotaped "Heritage Moment."
Curated OER
International Folklore
Folklore is composed of stories that convey cultural heritage and traditions. Many types of tales are listed as well as what they portray in various contexts and situations. Give your learners a brief description or definition of...
Smithsonian Institution
The Music of the Mardi Gras Indians
The traditions, costumes, and the music of the Mardi Gras Indians, African-Americans and those with African American or Native American Heritage are the focus of a unit that introduces class members to a little-known group that plays a...
Curated OER
History of Film: Creating Heritage Moments
Fifth graders, in groups, research a specified topic of Canadian history. They dramatize their findings, become familiar with many filming techniques and film themselves in a historical skit for presentation to the class.
Vermilionville
Mardi Gras Elementary
You don't have to visit Vermilionville to experience the Cajun traditions of Mardi Gras. After examining pictures and hearing stories about these colorful traditions, learners create their own Courir de Mardi Gras masks.
Curated OER
Hats off to you!
Students learn about cultures through hats. Students complete "hat" writings, puzzles, and language games around the theme.
Curated OER
Creating a digital Self-Portrait
Sixth graders use a digital camera and take photographs of each other wearing a "costume" of their choice in front of a blue screen. They work cooperatively to complete the photographs by placing it into a background and setting...
Curated OER
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo Without Stereotypes
Put more meaning into your Cinco de Mayo party with geography lessons, literature, and more!
Curated OER
Historical Figure: A Monologue
Fourth graders develop their speaking skills. In this monologue lesson, 4th graders watch their instructors model a monologue regarding Abraham Lincoln. Students apply these skills as they research a historical figure from their state...
Curated OER
Immigration Unit
Third graders develop an appreciate for the various cultures that are present in their local community. Through reading and research, they explain how various culture came to live in their area. At the conclusion of the unit, 3rd...
Curated OER
Storytellers: Dave Matthews Band
Students decide what the term "art" means to them. They identify artistic elements displayed by the Dave Matthews Band. They understand the relationship between music and other means of artistic expression.
Curated OER
Christmas Around the World (Grade 2)
Student groups create slides on one of the cultures listed. They view videos that show United States families celebrating Christmas based on their native countries' traditions and a video which tells the story of La Bafana, the old woman...
Curated OER
Animal Farm - The Rest of the Story
Students participate in a reader's theater using farm animals in the novella Animal Farm. In this Animal Farm lesson plan, students evaluate interpretations using the text, personal experience, and historical events.
Curated OER
Theatre Prop Design and Construction
Fourth graders construct individual props. In this theatrical arts lesson, 4th graders use the elements of art to create various props using paper mache. Students construct objects such as logs, fruit, and a picture frame.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: A Puerto Rican Carnival
A look at Carnival celebrations in Puerto Rico. The lesson includes a little bit of background information, suggested tie-in reading, and activities such as making a Carnival mask or learning about costumes by coloring a "vejigante...
Other
Japanese Arts Council: Noh and Kyogen (Traditional Japanese Performing Arts)
An introduction to Noh and Kyogen plays. Details of these traditional Japanese performing arts are provided, accompanied by photos of the masks, costumes, props, and fans used. Includes video clips of some performances.
Other
China Vista: The China Experience China Culture Index
A comprehensive, bilingual website about various aspects of Chinese culture, including folk custom, arts and crafts, food and drinks, costumes, scripts and calligraphy, performing arts, ethnic groups, etc.