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Black Actors in American Cinema
Young scholars examine the contributions of a few African American actors. After watching different films, they work together to recreate the film and the struggles faced by the actors. In groups, they compare and contrast the acting...
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Architecture
Students study tessellations and the work of M.C. Escher. They discuss the terminology of architecture, the historical significance of architecture in different parts of the world, and create their own piece of architecture out of...
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My Brother Sam is Dead: A study of the Revolutionary War
Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...
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Neoclassical Influences
Students analyze neoclassical art. For this art history lesson, students listen to their instructor present a lecture regarding the details of the art produced during the Enlightenment.
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Referencing the Classical Past
Students explore the concept of myths conveyed through art. In this art history activity, students examine "Three Goddesses" and discuss the state of the world at the time that Nollekens created the sculptures as they analyze the pieces.
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If These Walls Could Talk
Students compare Neoclassical objects from the Getty collection to American civic architecture of the time. They discuss the moral and political ideas of the Enlightenment and articulate how these art forms influenced democratic thought...
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Pranks With Paint
Young scholars consider what they already know about graffiti and explore the pranks and work of a graffiti artist. They research a famous painting and create original artwork by adding thoughtful graffiti to it.
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Storytellers: The Dixie Chicks
Learners explore an important moment in the course of American History through critical listening. Students analyze the lyrics of one work by the Dixie Chicks. Learners have a better understanding of the way music can mirror social...
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Respect for Self and Others-Giving and Getting the Big R
Seventh graders work in groups of three. They plan scenarios in which they demonstrate inappropriate and appropriate interpersonal skills in a variety of social situations. Students assume the roles of the individuals in their scenario...
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Sculpting a Message: From the Counter-Reformation to the Present Day
Students discuss persuasive messages in art. In this art history lesson, students research 17th- century European sculptures to find the messages given. They create their own sculptures and write press releases to explain their art.
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Masters of War
Students explore how artists depict wartime historical events. Then students create their own works of art depicting a historical event that has taken place during their own lives. They create a classroom gallery.
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Murals
Students investigate how murals portray cultural expression. They study the history of mural making, explore its symbolism and design a mural of their own.
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The Harlem Renaissance: Black American Traditions
Students examine the time period of the Harlem Renaissance. As a class, they are introduced to five artists and discuss their art and techniques. Using the internet, they also research the philosophers of the time period and how...
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The City Symphony- The Original Reality Show
Students discuss the purpose of city symphonies that were used in the past. In groups, they compare and contrast the social systems of a school and city to create their own city symphony video together. They also write what is known as...
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Jazz Talk
Middle schoolers analyze the origins of jazz music by examining work songs, spirituals, blues, and gospel songs as well as works of poetry from African American artists. They create their own poems from either the narrative, dramatic,...
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Foods and Languages of the World
Students study world cultures with an emphasis on languages and cultures. In this world cultures activity, students study the countries of Spain, China, Italy, and the United States. Students read the story Everybody Cooks Rice and move...
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Modern Visions
Students explore the many art movements considered to exist in the realm of 'modernism.' students explore, in pairs, key elements of different modern art movements and design posters presenting their movements.
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The High and the Flighty
Students study women aviators and act out a talk show-style interview with one of them. They plot Amelia Earhart's flights on a map.
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How Do Artists Get Their Ideas? Culture and Environment as Sources of Ideas
Students share the difficulties they have in determining what to write or draw for a project. In groups, they view examples from three different artists and discuss how their personal experiences affected their art. They brainstorm a...
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The Renaissance: How did it change the world?
Eighth graders identify the conditions in Medieval Europe that contributed to the beginning of the Renaissance. They find characteristics of the Renaissance in its art, economy, discoveries, and ideas. They examine the ideas of Humanism...
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So, So Surreal Self-Portraits
Students take virtual trip back in time to 1924 when a Dada manifesto sparked the Surrealist movement in Europe and the United States. They explore about the history of Surrealism and visit online galleries of notable artists of the past...
Facing History and Ourselves
Identity and Belonging
High schoolers examine World War I war crimes. For this world history activity, students examine a painting by Ashile Gorky, a refugee from the Armenian genocide. High schoolers interpret the piece of art and discuss its historical...
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A New Twist on Race Relations
Learners analyze the impact of American Bandstand on race relations. In this race relations instructional activity, students use the music and dance show American Bandstand to learn about race relations. Learners categorize pivotal...
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Reflections of Ancient Greece
Students study ancient Greek civilization. For this World history lesson, students locate Greece on a world map and review what the ancient Greeks did when they developed new ideas for government, science, philosophy, religion, and art.