Curated OER
Free Form Sculpture
Tenth graders explore abstract and non-representational art forms through research and artistic expression. They research a free form artist, their work, and abstract sculpture. They then work with pantyhose, chicken wire, plaster, and...
Curated OER
Lesson: Mary Heilmann: To Be Someone
Kids consider the pure abstraction and minimalism found in Mary Heilmann's work. They analyze several of her pieces through critical discussion and then think about her use of a song title as the title of her exhibit. Learners then use a...
Curated OER
Canvas Folding Screen
Elementary, middle, and high schoolers design canvas folding screens; much like the ones that are so prevalent in Asian homes. Be warned that this art lesson requires a lot of materials, so it will be expensive to implement. However, the...
Curated OER
Abstract Flowers Inspired By Georgia O'Keeffe
Students create a drawing of a flower using Georgia O'Keeffe as their inspiration, then develop skills in drawing and composition. They explain the difference between realistic and abstract.
Curated OER
Mondrian Inspired Abstract Art
Students explore the art of Piet Mondrian. In this abstract art lesson, students look at paintings by the Dutch painter and then follow the provided steps to create their own abstract art inspired by his works.
Hawaiʻi State Department of Education
Dimension Dances
Use dance to help learners conceptualize line segments, rays, lines, and planes. They choreograph dances that show dimensional space. Dancers start by pondering space, point, and lines as the teacher draws them in the air. Each...
Curated OER
Spin Art
The best part about spin art is that is demonstrates the concept of centrifugal force. Explore the magical spin of gravity as you make colorful art. This lesson idea is short, very simple, and requires a spin art machine.
Curated OER
Materials and Process
Students examine the variety of materials an artist uses when drawing and consider the impact of the material choice. In this art analysis instructional activity, students consider the different materials used to make various drawings....
Curated OER
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Me Test
Get to know your scholars with this in-depth survey that asks learners to rate, answer true or false, write short answers, and draw abstract visuals about their academic and personal preferences.
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Step Inside the Brain
Before digital microscopes, scientists hired artists to draw the things visible in the microscope. Through training in neuroscience and art, Cajal revolutionized the way we view the beautiful brain. The third instructional activity in a...
University of Minnesota
Beautiful Brain: Brain Inspiration
"Neuroscientists consider Cajal as important to their discipline as Einstein is to physics." The first of four lessons has scholars view Santiago Ramon y Cajal's drawings of neurons. They reflect and respond to the art through writing...
Curated OER
CREATIVE PRINCIPLES
Jr. high learners review the basic principles of design (balance, unity, movement, rhythm, pattern, contrast and emphasis) by watching a video by Gerald Brommer. Then they provide "aerobic exercise" for the right side of their brains by...
Curated OER
Spray Bottle Paint Mural
Sometimes all you need is a quick and easy outdoor art project. Perfect for the end of the school year, this mural project allows kids to make a mess while creating art. They use spray bottles full of paint to "spray" paint a large sheet...
Curated OER
Abstract Animals
Students look at several photographs of animals. They compare and contrast their forms by visually breaking the images into simple geometric shapes. Students draw the simple geometric shapes that comprise the animal. They fill in the...
Curated OER
Japanese Abstract Wind Sock
Students use paper bags to create a Japanese wind sock with original abstract art.
Curated OER
Abstractions/Gestures
Students examine and display the differences between literal, and non-literal movement and abstraction using a creative project in movement. This project originates as an individual item, culminating in a small group performance.
Curated OER
Looking and Learning in the Art Museum
Students explore art at an art museum. In this lesson about art, students travel to a museum and explore the art. Students practice drawing, search for certain kinds of art, and learn about reproducing art by someone else. Students will...
Curated OER
Sports Action Figure
Fourth graders identify art elements and design principles in art such as movement, unity, space and color planning.
Hawaiʻi State Department of Education
Color Moods
Can art be a mode of communication? You bet it can! Learners explore how colors are used to convey mood in art. First, the class listens to three very unique musical selections that convey three different moods. Then, they compare...
Reed Novel Studies
The Little Prince: Novel Study
Do our eyes play tricks on us? The Little Prince narrator begins with a discussion of the difference in what grown-ups and children see. Scholars read how he puts this to the test using a drawing and find synonyms to vocabulary...
Curated OER
Abstract Flowers Inspired By Georgia O'keeffe
Students create "abstract flowers" using the artwork of Georgia O'Keefe and knowledge of warm and cool colors in this Art lesson for grades K-12. The lesson includes a short recommended book list and a biography of Georgia O'Keefe.
Curated OER
Learning to Use Painting Tools to Change a Drawing
Students practice creating abstract art using computer software. In this painting lesson, students discuss how great fairy tale characters have the ability to transform, as do images. Students utilize a painting software...
Curated OER
Looking and Learning in the Art Museum - Lesson 1
Explore the artistic elements in artworks with an original and reproduction instructional activity. As learners recognize the difference between an original and a reproduction, they discuss the artist elements used in the...
Curated OER
Cell Art
Combine art and science with this cell structure assignment. Learners depict a cell diagram, including the organelles, imitating a specific artist's style.