Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Building Bridges between Art and Other Subject Areas:

Integrating curriculum gives us the ability to truly enhance a student's learning experience. It enables students to build knowledge and skills in multiple content areas simultaneously. This also encourages students to expand their thought processes and think creatively!

Math
Science

Geography

History/Social Studies
English/Language-Arts
Performing Arts/Music
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Guide to Great Online Resources:
There are several museums and organizations that provide great resources for integrating art into other subject areas. Here is a list of some excellent websites, some of which we feature on this site, and a summary of what they offer:


  • The Kennedy Center ARTSEDGE: We highly recommend this site for teachers! They offer over 84 full lesson plans ranging from K-12, most of which integrate multiple subject areas with visual and media arts. Each lesson plan includes an overview with objectives and methods, preparations with a material list and resources, instruction with application and assessment, and the appropriate standards. Lesson plans also include images, printable worksheets and rubrics. The site also has a large section of "How-to" guides for educators, from reaching out to school board members and legislators to creating authentic cultural experiences for students.
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): This museum has an extensive collection of educational resources under "Modern Teachers Online." The site includes teacher's guides, most of which are available in printable PDF format, a library of images, and lessons that you can search by subject, theme, or medium. The lessons are great for building in content on art history, art styles and movements, and famous artists. Most lessons include an introduction, objectives, discussion, activities and/or projects. They also include helpful information for setting the scene, extension ideas, and a glossary.
  • The National Gallery of Art: This site has several areas for educators including videos, interactive games, in-depth study tours, and a large selection of free loan materials for the classroom. Their lesson plans include an introduction, objectives, extensive idea- and image-based discussions, activities, setting the scene, extension ideas, glossary, images, and PDF format availability. Teachers can search for content by curriculum, topics, and artists. Topics include everything from architecture to young learners to mythology. Many of the lessons include interactive components. Check out their online catalogue of free learning materials you can borrow for the classroom.
  • The Guggenheim: This site has a designated area for schools and educators. They provide curriculum resources that you search through by subject, medium/discipline, exhibition or artists. Their lessons include an overview, images and discussion, and further exploration that includes activities and extension opportunities.
  • Art 21 on PBS: Includes several lesson plans for Visual Arts, Social Studies and Language Arts on multiple topics including Abstraction and Realism, Labor and Craftsmanship, Technology and Systems, and more. The site provides multiple resources regarding each topic as well. Lesson plans include objectives, national standards, materials and resources, critical questions, activities, evaluation and extension materials.