The Kennedy Center ARTSEDGE:
1. Lesson: A Listening Doll
Create a listening doll in the tradition of the Native American storyteller dolls
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Theater
Other Subject: Social Studies, Language Arts
2. Lesson: Chinese Instruments
Explore the similarities and differences between traditional western instruments and Chinese instruments while creating a Chinese instrument.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subjects: Geography, Informal Education
3. Lesson: Creating AB Patterns
Patterns exists both in the natural and manmade world. It is an element in art, as well as math and science.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Math
4. Lesson: All Around the Baseball Field
Students construct a mock baseball field and from there explore the sport of baseball through art, movement, and sound.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Math, Language Arts, Physical Education
5. Lesson: America, A Home for Every Culture
Students will discuss and explore the cultures that have contributed to making the United States the unique and diverse country it is today.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Geography, History
6. Lesson: Making Rain
In this lesson, students experience rain through several activities, experiments, reading, and performing.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Science, Geography
7. Lesson: Musical Harlem
Students will learn to identify musical styles and musicians associated with Harlem, focusing on jazz.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Dance, Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
8. Lesson: Navajo Weaving
Through guided reading of Ten Little Rabbits and hands-on activities students will explore aspects of Native American cultures and Navajo weavings.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
9. Lesson: Masks and Aesop's Fables
This multi-media visual and language arts lesson offers intellectual, creative, and interpretive opportunities through use of books, music and the internet.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Social Studies, English
10. Lesson: Oh, Say Can You See…
Students will learn about the history behind the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts, Theater
Other Subject: Social Studies, Language Arts
11. Lesson: Who Has Seen the Wind?
In this lesson students are introduced to and encouraged to explore characteristics of the wind through poetry and van Gogh’s paintings.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Science
12. Lesson: The Whale Trail
In this lesson students will explore the world of gray whales.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Science, Geography, Language Arts
13. Lesson: Art Show with the Masters
Research information on artists' lives and works and prepare works of art based on their understanding of the artists, their time and place in history, and their works.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
14. Lesson: Puppets on the Move: China and the Silk Road
Through map-making, research, and class discussions, students will gain an understanding of the dynamics of trade in China along the Silk Road.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
15. Lesson: King Arthur: Man or Legend
In this lesson, students will learn about the legend of King Arthur as depicted in stories, poems, and artwork.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
16. Lesson: Sundiata, Mali’s Lion King
This lesson introduces the legendary Malian king Sundiata Keita, known as the Lion King of Mali, by using elements of traditional Malian festivals.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Dance, Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
17. Lesson: The Science of Shadow Puppets
Through online learning tools and the creation of shadow puppets and plays, students will learn how light interacts with matter.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Theater
Other Subject: Language Arts, Science
18. Lesson: Nureyev: After PetipaNureyev’s early life and work were affected by changing social, political, and cultural forces in Russia. His artistic genius was influenced by the work of Marius Petipa.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
19. Lesson: Nureyev: Bringer of Light
This lesson focuses on the alignment of Nureyev’s artistic endeavors and achievements in the dance world of the West.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
20. Lesson: Nureyev: The Unconquerable Will
This lesson provides an overview of how creative expression developed in the West, particularly in the development of dance.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
21. Lesson: Rhythm and Art: Elements of Art
Learn about the three elements of art (line, shape, and color) through a study of Torres-García's symbolism, Picasso's emotional use of color and Abstract Expressionism.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, Math
22. Lesson: Rhythm and Art: Gesture Drawing
In this lesson, students will explore connections between music and visual art.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts
Museum of Modern Art:
1. Ideal Performance
From the guide Modern Art and Ideas 4: 1914–1928 The history of modern art has many examples of artists’ collaboration with choreographers, musicians and writers in the staging of performances, many of which shocked audiences. Activities: 1. Students will write about a futuristic costume design they have seen. 2. Students will design a set and costumes for a scene from a play.
Dance, Music: Students will research collaboration projects of Rauschenberg, Cage, and Cunningham. Artists: Oskar Schelmmer, El Lissitzky Grade: middle/high Medium: drawing Theme: Design, Music, Dance
National Gallery of Art:
1. Lesson: A Listening Doll
Create a listening doll in the tradition of the Native American storyteller dolls
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Theater
Other Subject: Social Studies, Language Arts
2. Lesson: Chinese Instruments
Explore the similarities and differences between traditional western instruments and Chinese instruments while creating a Chinese instrument.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subjects: Geography, Informal Education
3. Lesson: Creating AB Patterns
Patterns exists both in the natural and manmade world. It is an element in art, as well as math and science.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Math
4. Lesson: All Around the Baseball Field
Students construct a mock baseball field and from there explore the sport of baseball through art, movement, and sound.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Math, Language Arts, Physical Education
5. Lesson: America, A Home for Every Culture
Students will discuss and explore the cultures that have contributed to making the United States the unique and diverse country it is today.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Geography, History
6. Lesson: Making Rain
In this lesson, students experience rain through several activities, experiments, reading, and performing.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Science, Geography
7. Lesson: Musical Harlem
Students will learn to identify musical styles and musicians associated with Harlem, focusing on jazz.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Dance, Music, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
8. Lesson: Navajo Weaving
Through guided reading of Ten Little Rabbits and hands-on activities students will explore aspects of Native American cultures and Navajo weavings.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
9. Lesson: Masks and Aesop's Fables
This multi-media visual and language arts lesson offers intellectual, creative, and interpretive opportunities through use of books, music and the internet.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Social Studies, English
10. Lesson: Oh, Say Can You See…
Students will learn about the history behind the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Music, Visual Arts, Theater
Other Subject: Social Studies, Language Arts
11. Lesson: Who Has Seen the Wind?
In this lesson students are introduced to and encouraged to explore characteristics of the wind through poetry and van Gogh’s paintings.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Science
12. Lesson: The Whale Trail
In this lesson students will explore the world of gray whales.
Grade: K-4
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Science, Geography, Language Arts
13. Lesson: Art Show with the Masters
Research information on artists' lives and works and prepare works of art based on their understanding of the artists, their time and place in history, and their works.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
14. Lesson: Puppets on the Move: China and the Silk Road
Through map-making, research, and class discussions, students will gain an understanding of the dynamics of trade in China along the Silk Road.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
15. Lesson: King Arthur: Man or Legend
In this lesson, students will learn about the legend of King Arthur as depicted in stories, poems, and artwork.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
16. Lesson: Sundiata, Mali’s Lion King
This lesson introduces the legendary Malian king Sundiata Keita, known as the Lion King of Mali, by using elements of traditional Malian festivals.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Dance, Theater, Visual Arts
Other Subject: Language Arts, Social Studies
17. Lesson: The Science of Shadow Puppets
Through online learning tools and the creation of shadow puppets and plays, students will learn how light interacts with matter.
Grade: 5-8
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Theater
Other Subject: Language Arts, Science
18. Lesson: Nureyev: After PetipaNureyev’s early life and work were affected by changing social, political, and cultural forces in Russia. His artistic genius was influenced by the work of Marius Petipa.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
19. Lesson: Nureyev: Bringer of Light
This lesson focuses on the alignment of Nureyev’s artistic endeavors and achievements in the dance world of the West.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
20. Lesson: Nureyev: The Unconquerable Will
This lesson provides an overview of how creative expression developed in the West, particularly in the development of dance.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Dance, Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, History
21. Lesson: Rhythm and Art: Elements of Art
Learn about the three elements of art (line, shape, and color) through a study of Torres-García's symbolism, Picasso's emotional use of color and Abstract Expressionism.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts, Math
22. Lesson: Rhythm and Art: Gesture Drawing
In this lesson, students will explore connections between music and visual art.
Grade: 9-12
Arts Subject: Visual Arts, Music
Other Subject: Language Arts
Museum of Modern Art:
1. Ideal Performance
From the guide Modern Art and Ideas 4: 1914–1928 The history of modern art has many examples of artists’ collaboration with choreographers, musicians and writers in the staging of performances, many of which shocked audiences. Activities: 1. Students will write about a futuristic costume design they have seen. 2. Students will design a set and costumes for a scene from a play.
Dance, Music: Students will research collaboration projects of Rauschenberg, Cage, and Cunningham. Artists: Oskar Schelmmer, El Lissitzky Grade: middle/high Medium: drawing Theme: Design, Music, Dance
National Gallery of Art:
1. Edgar Degas
Online Art Information
In-depth study of The Dance Lesson by French impressionist Edgar Degas.
Includes The Painting/The Dancing Life/The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer/A Dance Portfolio
Grade: middle/high
Theme: Impressionism
Artist: Edgar Degas
Online: Interactive
Online Interactive Unit
The visual narratives and abstractions of this preeminent African-American artist explore the places where he lived and worked: the rural South, Pittsburgh, New York's Harlem, and the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. Bearden's central themes–religion, jazz and blues, history, literature, and the authenticities of black life endured throughout his remarkable career. This program is also available as a printed booklet with 20 slides, 6 color study prints, 5 overhead transparencies, and a music CD. It may be borrowed free-of-charge from NGA Loan Programs.
Activities include: Write a poem inspired by collage, Make a collage, Organize an exhibition, “What’s your cause?”, Study art like Bearden, Compare poetry and music, Match Bearden’s work with artistic models. Includes printable (PDF) version and teaching activities, including online interactive activities.
Grade: middle/high
Medium: Collage
Artist: Romare Bearden
Other subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies/History
Online: interactive
2. Art Nouveau
Online Teaching Unit
Teaching program on turn of the 20th-century art movement; decorative arts. Activities include several discussion prompts and images.
Includes History/ Sources and Inspiration/ Glossary/ Teaching Activities
Grade: elementary/middle/high
Style: Art Nouveau
Other subjects: History
Online Teaching Unit
Teaching program on genre scenes and movement studies of French impressionist painter Edgar Degas. Activities include: Construct a viewfinder and experiment with drawing various scenes, drawing a picture with a single line, “flip book” with sequential images, horse “portraits,” groups research advertisements, design advertisement using a horse, write a news article covering Scene from the Steeplechase (who, what, why, where, and how), choose your own emblematic moment to write and then draw/paint/sculpt.
Includes Introduction/ Paintings and Drawings/ Sculpture/ Teaching Activities/ Biography/ Bibliography/ Vocabulary
Grade: middle/high
Medium: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture
Style: Impressionism
Artist: Degas
Other subjects: English/Language-Arts
Online Art Information
In-depth study of the Memorial to the Massachusetts 54th Regiment (an African-American Civil War troop). Activities includes: 2 lesson plans for grades 3-8 (Personal Memories, Public Memories), 3 lesson plans for 9-12 (An Inspirational Monument, Saint Gaudens, the Shaw Memorial, Art Historians, and the Critics, and A Primary Source Document Activity.)
Includes Introduction/Artist/History/Memorial/ Exhibition/Resources
Grade: elementary/middle/high
Medium: Drawing
Theme: Social/History
Other subjects: History, Language Arts
