Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Role of Masks in African Cultures

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Students explore ancient tradition and craft of mask making, examine role or function of masks in African culture, create instruments, and participate in class projects.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Papier-Mache Masks

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Read about, and then make culturally inspired masks. Learners watch the video, "Masks and Face Coverings," then design and make a mask with cultural significance out of papier mache. Tip: Have small groups research, write about, and make...
Activity
Hildegard Center for the Arts

Mardi Gras Masks

For Teachers K - 12th
Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.
Unit Plan
Curated OER

Aztec and Mayan Mythology

For Teachers 6th
Here's a fresh take on a mythology unit. Use the myths of the Mayan and Aztec peoples of Mesoamerica instead of the more traditional Greek and Roman stories. This abstract suggests possible approaches and resources that can be...
Activity
Quaver

World Percussion — Latin America Project Book

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
What's the most popular music style in Brazil? What about Cuba? Or the Dominican Republic? An immersive project teaches young learners about the salsa, the samba, and the merengue with research assignments and dance performances.
Activity
American Museum of Natural History

Being An Anthropologist: Laurel Kendall

For Students 6th - 12th
Imagine studying Korean culture, especially the role of women, as well as marriage and religious rituals from home! Anthropologist Laurel Kendall shares what she has learned from her many trips to this fascinating country half a world away.
Activity
Getting to Know

Shape and Form in Art

For Teachers K - 4th
Introduce youngsters to the important role shape and form play in art with this extensive collection of activities and projects. From teaching first graders how to create mandalas to engaging third and fourth graders in the design...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Carnival Celebrations: Masks and Vejigantes

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore Carnival. For this Puerto Rico Carnival lesson, students discover the history of the cultural celebration as well as the significance of the elaborate masks worn for the festivities. Students create their own Carnival...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Meaning Behind the Mask

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore the world of African masks and storytelling. They create masks that tell stories of their own.
PPT
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Curated OER

Classical Greece

For Teachers 7th - 10th
Studying ancient Greek culture, literature, and architecture is a great way to begin a unit on world cultures - or to start reading Antigone or other Greek dramas. Detailing the social aspects of ancient Greek life, this...
Lesson Plan
Penn Museum

Africa

For Teachers 6th - 10th Standards
Mask wearing is not just for Halloween! This attractive and informative set of worksheets discusses this important African cultural tradition, as well as a variety of other significant cultural attributes to ancient civilizations, such...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mini Masks: Ceramics

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Masks have been used for many reasons throughout human history. They are also great subjects for art projects! Included here are instructions, background information, and all the supplies needed to create mini masks in your class. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Out and About: Masks

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students investigate the art of mask-making. In this cultural masks lesson, students may visit the Hancock or Horniman Museums in Britain online or in-person to discover details about cultural masks and give a try at making their own.
Activity
Vermilionville

Mardi Gras—Secondary

For Teachers 7th - 9th Standards
Add a little glitter to your Mardi Gras celebration with a packet that includes information about the history of Mardi Gras. It also provides information about how different communities celebrate the holiday, as well as templates for...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Hopi Indians

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read and look at maps of the Hopi Indians and compare and contrast their lives with the Hopi Indians. For this Hopi Indians lesson plan, 4th graders learn about different cultures and answer short answer questions.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Colorful Paper Masks

For Teachers K - 12th
Learners create individual masks using poster paper, string or elastic, and basic art supplies in this wonderful Art lesson for any level. Emphasis is placed on the discussion of cultural and personal uses of masks and personal creativity.
Activity
Mexic-Arte Museum

El Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Educational Activity Guide

For Students 6th - 12th
Here's a must-have activity guide for any celebration of El Dia de Los Muertos. The colorfully 56-page packet is packed with historical background, information about Mesoamerican cultures, images of the works of famous artists, and...
Activity
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Mexic-Arte Museum

El Dia de los Muertos

For Students 1st - 8th
Celebrate the traditional Mexican holiday El Dia de los Muertos! Explore the intricate history behind the traditions, compare other cultural rituals honoring the dead, and create sugar skulls. Learners read informational text on Aztec...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Climate and Cultures of Africa

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students gain an understanding of the relationship between climate and culture in the sub- Saharan Africa. Students will complete short exercises pertaining to the various cultures of Africa and the climate in which they live....
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Cut Paper Masks

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Learners examine different types of masks from various cultures. Using the masks, they identify the use of design elements in them. They create their own paper mask using the elements and share them with the class. After viewing a...
Lesson Plan
San Diego Museum of Art

Tapa-Inspired Pattern Painting

For Teachers K - 12th
Middle schoolers are encourage to try their hand at traditional Oceania tapa art by crafting their own cloth using brown paper bags. Included in the resource is background information about the cultures of Oceania and their art. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

International Festival - Masks

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Students study the influence masks had on Hispanic society. After investigating uses of masks in various cultures, they create masks that relate to their own experiences. In groups they create an Hispanic mask and a mask representing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson Plan PROMPT: Not Just Halloween: Festivals of the Dead Around the World

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students research information about Halloween and other cultural festivals of the dead. In this festivals of the dead lesson, students use the assigned website to examine All Hallow's Eve, the Obon, or Los Dias de los Muertos. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Rites of Passage: Initiation Masks in French Speaking Black Africa

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine African cultures through the study of masks in the initiation ceremonies in French speaking black Africa. They analyze masks, and create their own masks.