Teach Engineering
Flame Test: Red, Green, Blue, Violet?
Let the true colors shine through. Pupils conduct a flame test to identify an unknown element. Class members calculate and prepare specific molarity solutions of three chemicals. Using their observations of the colors emitted, they...
Academy of American Poets
Teach This Poem: “Thanksgiving” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Victor Laredo's painting "On the Beach" and Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem "Thanksgiving" allow young scholars to use their noticing skills. Class members identify elements of the painting the artist uses to create the feeling of...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis and Spectroscopy
Certain materials do not always maintain the same physical properties when they exist in the nanoscale. Help your classes to explore this idea through an experimental instructional activity. Scholars use spectroscopy with samples of...
Curated OER
Flambe Elements
Eighth graders discuss atoms and electrons as well as atoic structure. They view atomic structure via the computer. Students watch a demonstration in which the teacher demonstrates glass tubing turning yellow in a Bunsen Burner flame....
Curated OER
Cross-Stitching a Frog Bookmark
Students identify symmetry and create their own frog design. Students apply hand-eye coordination in placing their designs of cross-stitch netting. Students identify with new textures. Students present and analyze their design once...
Curated OER
Geo Jammin' By DeSign - Day 3, Lesson 16: The ABC of Symmetry
Pupils follow directions in the ABC of Symmetry to make a butterfly which shows a line of symmetry.
Curated OER
Fused Glass Landscape
Learners research and recognize work of several glass artists such as Chihuly, Tiffany, and Wright, define landscape and other relevant vocabulary terms, and create full fused glass plate/bowl using landscape and/or nature as subject...
Curated OER
Figure Analysis
Students identify the importance of the Principles and Elements of design through self-analysis and sketching clothing appropriate for their body type. They write the actual color name on a line of the included sheet, then describe why...
Curated OER
Line and Design
All students are interested in graphic design. This activity taps into this interest to have students learn about graphic elements.
Curated OER
Web Design
Young scholars are introduced to the seven web design elements. Using examples, they identify the use of good and bad elements. They work with a computer program to help them design their own website and share them with the class.
Curated OER
Design Your Life
Students use three different pieces of art and identify the power struggles that are being represented. In groups, they use the Internet to research the distribution of wealth throughout Canada during the Victorian time period. They...
Curated OER
Mosaic Masks
Students discover the history of mosaics through teacher-lead lectures and discussions. Individuals spend 3-4 weeks creatively constructing mosaic masks using step-by-step design instructions.
American Institute of Architects
Architecture: It's Elementary!—Fifth Grade
Young citizens construct an understanding of urban planning in this cross-curricular unit. Covering every aspect of city development from the political, economic, and social influences to sustainable building practices, this...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 6: Congruence, Construction, and Proof
Trace the links between a variety of math concepts in this far-reaching unit. Ideas that seem very different on the outset (like the distance formula and rigid transformations) come together in very natural and logical ways. This...
Curated OER
Color
Students learn the effect that warm and cool colors have for those who see them used in visual art. They create a collage of variety of colors. They participate in a gallery walk to view the artwork of others.
Curated OER
Paper Mola - Reverse appplique
Students investigate mola artwork from Panama. They discover the choices necessary to create a successful piece. Students understand the color and shape choices necessary for this art form.
Curated OER
Symmetrical Design: Pennsylvania Barn Signs
Second graders explain and apply the visual arts elements and the design principle of symmetry and apply media, techniques, and processes. In addition, they describe how different materials, techniques, and processes cause different...
Curated OER
Trees of Mississippi
Students research tree species found in Mississippi, and record the tree types, numbers of trees, and locations. Students then research the forest industry sites, and determine possible relationships between industry location and tree...
Curated OER
See What I Hear
Students investigate the link between music and visual art by applying principles of design to convey the emotions/expressions in different types of music.
Curated OER
Symbols and Trading Cards
A silk rank badge was a symbolic emblem worn by high officials during the Qing Dynasty. Your class will get a chance to examine the details, symbolism, color, and design of such a badge as they make their own symbolic trading cards....
Curated OER
Masking Tape Masterpieces
Students create non-objective art based on the design elements of line, color, balance and movement using tape. This simple lesson plan encourages students to create patterns by overlapping and defining lines on a canvas panel. One of...
Curated OER
Yellow Bird and Me
Upper elementary artists create works which demonstrate an understanding of the many elements of theater and the visual arts. This four-day plan combines many wonderful aspects of visual, musical, and theatrical arts into one very...
Curated OER
Collective Poetry: Teaching Tolerance
Help your class create collective poetry following a simple, engaging model from Teaching Tolerance (tolerance.org). Each young poet writes five things on an index card: sayings from others, favorite sound, favorite place, favorite...
Curated OER
Pattern Value Portraits with Light
Students use the elements of art and principles of design to explore value. In this color value lesson plan, students use the portrait of a a face to help them understand color value, tints, shades and tones.