Learners discuss Sol LeWitt and conceptual art, then analyze the differences in expressing a concept through model-based inquiry and aesthetic art criticism. They develop a geometric, scientific, or mathematical concept, then create an...

To gain an understanding of color mixing theory and the color wheel, young artists draw a picture, mix up a batch of secondary colors to which they add dish soap, and using straws, bubble up the paint....

While architects and engineers don't often build with plastic straws and foam board, the same principles still apply. Challenging both the creativity and critical thinking of students, this engaging design project is perfect...

Houses come in all shapes and sizes, but not all houses are safe from Mr. and Mrs. Twit. The 10th lesson in a unit designed to accompany The Twits by Roald Dahl turns learners into architects. While designing houses for the monkeys, they...

Van Gogh's Starry Night and Thomas Cole's The Oxbow are featured in a watercolor lesson plan that encourages young artists to explore various techniques before creating their own landscape.

Shadow puppetry has an ancient past, it is also a great way to build oral expression and reading fluency. Young thespians research folk tales, compare and contrast reality and fantasy, then create and perform a shadow puppet play based...

Here is a great game to play on a rainy day or as a warm up. Kids feel an object in a paper bag, they do not attempt to identify it, they simply draw what they feel. This results in a contour drawing based on line, feeling, and texture....

Learners explore the challenges of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through a physical education simulation. In this cross-curriculum physical education instructional activity, students work in groups of three to log 8000 steps, stopping...

Second graders demonstrate competence in the general skills and strategies of the reading process.

First graders read and discuss several stories. They share information about different types of shelter around the world. They explain that lifestyles and shelter depend very much on where people live and how they use the resources...

Kids may be a little resistant to this rainy day idea, but it could produce some amazing art. They paint a watercolor picture of anything they like. When they are done, they take their paintings outside and let the rain work its magic!...

Students are shown examples of dolls from the area of the Appalachian mountians. Individually, they make their own straw animal following a set of written instructions. To end the lesson, they add eyes and discover how they can make a...

Students review the basic weaving techniques from a previous instructional activity. As a class, they watch a demonstration on how fabrics were weaved on straw looms in the Appalachian mountains. To end the instructional activity, they...

Students sketch a still life picture. In this sketching lesson plan, students create a still life image using a cup and straws. Students create an original piece of art.

"Once upon a time . . ." Language learners examine the key elements of well-known fairy tales and then craft their own.

Students investigate the loom and weaving process. In this weaving instructional activity, students use soda straws to make a bracelet or a bookmark. Students use the over-under pattern of weaving.

Students examine the properties and uses of recyclable materials. In this recycled materials activity, students are introduced to the idea that some materials can be recycled. They investigate the types of materials that can be reused,...

Young scholars make a tree sculpture. In this trees and the environment lesson plan, students learn about the parts of a tree, discuss what a tree needs in order to grow, find images of trees in art and nature, use various materials to...

Fourth graders explore world culture by creating an arts and crafts project in class. In this weaving lesson, 4th graders identify the Kente culture and their uses for straw and other natural elements in their communities. Students...

Students explore frogs.  In this cross curriculum literacy and frogs lesson, students predict the plot and then listen to the book The Wide-Mouthed Frog by Keith Faulkner. Students define "predator" and identify foods a frog might...

Young artists use Paintstik colors on paper, canvas, metal, fabric or another surface to create a work of art to be presented in a gallery. Students research the origins of the "Snakebasket" they are creating. These art lessons produce...

Budding artists experiment with balance and movement as they learn about Alex Calder and his kinetic sculptures. They'll view several of Calder's pieces and review biographical information, then they'll work through the artistic process...

Learners decorate cups or bowls with thematic designs that represent Chinese culture. In this decorating lesson plan, students will decorate their cups or bowls and then “sell” these works of art to partners role-playing as French...

Creating butterfly art is as simple as 1-2-3. Kids cut coffee filters into butterfly shapes. Next, they wet and place squares of tissue paper onto the filters. Fifteen minutes later, they lift the tissue to reveal a colorful pattern...