Eighth graders become familiar with the events of the  Boston massacre and analyze the events.  For this artistic images lesson, 8th graders discuss examine pictures and discuss the viewpoint of the artist. Students...

Students examine portraits by John Singleton Copley and discuss how the subject's appearance communicates important information about his or her life. They write a diary entry from the point of view of a portrait subject.

Third graders explore important events leading up to the Revolutionary War. For this Revolutionary War lesson, 3rd graders work in pairs to research dates and important events prior to the Revolutionary War. Class discussion is followed...

Learners analyze the engraving of Paul Revere to make a judgment about the time period of the Boston Massacre. The objective is that one creates an account of the event from the perspective of a British soldier.

Students view an image of Nathanial Hurd's "Table of Conversions." They will work in small groups to complete a worksheet. Students participate in a discussion about colonial Boston's economy. This lesson is a precursor to a visit to the...

Students investigate colonial artisans. For this history lesson, students create a booklet of American Artisans and dress up in 18th century clothing for an oral presentation.

Learners write letters to penpals. In this geography/literacy lesson, students become penpals with a classroom in England to learn about customs and society across the ocean. Flat Stanley by Will Holton is read aloud, and learners...

Students explore the political situation in Boston in 1775, using Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere" to introduce the beginning of the American Revolution.

In this excellent stem and leaf plotter worksheet, students construct, arrange and write a report of how to interpret the leaves they collect in this data analysis. Students answer 4 detailed questions regarding the data analysis...

This is not just a New York Time article to read, this is a set of amazing activity ideas all related to the slide shows "Breaking Bread Everywhere" and "Where Children Sleep." Your class can view each show, read about what they mean...

Students explore events and causes that led to American Revolution and examine popular pro-Patriot renderings and texts of these issues created both at that time and in later years. Students then prepare and deliver oral presentations...

Learners hone their drawing techniques to create a nature-inspired piece of art. They practice hatching, cross hatching, stippling, and shading. They discuss how each method is better suited for creating specific elements in nature such...

You can start off this sand castle art project by previewing the included architectural vocabulary. Learners explore images, the web, and books that show both sand castles and architectural design. They then get creative and make their...

Students examine political cartoons from 1774 through today, determine their meanings through analysis and discussion, and create their own political cartoons focusing on historical issues studied in class.

Middle schoolers create "assemblage boxes" displaying representations of themselves and the importance they see in their own lives. This middle school level instructional activity emphasizes the art of American artist Sarah Goodridge who...

Students compare paintings to make conclusions about American History in the Revolutionary War time period. Students share opinions concerning visual art. Other artwork can be used to entice inquiry as needed.

You won't believe your eyes when you see these dresses made out of paper. Students create paper dresses by modifying a pattern provided by the teacher, and decorate the dress using 1960's style art. What a fantastic and motivating...

Students visit the Memorial Art Gallery's exhibit, "About Face: Copley's Portrait of a Colonial Silversmith." They complete a worksheet based on the career of John SIngleton Copley as a colonial American artist. They experience the role...

High schoolers study the physical presence, imagery and written text on a reproduction of colonial currency. They apply their research to a modern day quarter to compare and contrast two coins. In addition, they design their own colonial...

Students create a facial expression in clay using slabs of clay and coils that convey a feeling inspired by a poem in this excellent cross-curricular lesson suitable for the Laqnguage Arts or Art classroom. National Standards met during...

Students investigate the history of patriotic music and practice singing the tunes with classmates.  In this U.S. History lesson, students examine lyrics of the traditional song "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and discuss the differing points...

Students use art and images analyze the Civil War. In this lesson plan on the Shaw Memorial, students engage in 3 activities, discussion, and art analysis to better comprehend the events of the Civil War. This lesson plan includes web...

Young scholars consider the influence of the Greeks on American architecture. For this American Greek Revival architecture lesson, students identify the attributes of architectural style as they compare the Parthenon with the Lincoln...