First graders explore the art of Russian folk dancing. In this cultural traditions lesson, 1st graders research the Troika and incorporate attributes of the Russion folk dance into their own renditions.

Students examine the artwork of Joan Miro. In this art appreciation activity, students research the life and work of Miro as a surreal artist. Students create their own surreal art as they follow Miro's techniques.

Students explore two Native American legends. For this cultural traditions lesson, students read "The Legend of Blue Bonnet," and "The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush." Students then study basic Native American dance movements prior to...

Students discover the three elements of art. In this visual arts lesson, students examine line, shape, and color of works by Torres-Garcia and Picasso. Students then identify the elements of art in works by other artists.

Students consider the role of rhythm and meter in poetry. In this integrated arts lesson, students discuss the attributes of poetry and use their music skills to set picture book poetry to music by creating "singable" poems.

Students consider the role of the Freedom Riders. In this American Civil Rights instructional activity, students watch videos, listen to lectures, and conduct research regarding the participants in the Freedom Ride protest. Several...

Students consider the structure of folktales. For this writing skills lesson, students list the attributes of folktales that they read in class. Students then complete handouts based on the elements of the tales as well as types of tales...

Students explore Chinese culture and Chinese calligraphy. In this Chinese calligraphy activity, students create paintings using Chinese techniques. Students describe the differences in Chinese art and other culture's art. Students listen...

Students explain the process of conduction using a molecular explanation, and explain how different materials conduct at different rates.

Learners explore African spirituals. In this slavery instructional activity, students listen to and analyze the spiritual song "Wade in the Water" line by line. Learners share their interpretations with their classmates.

Students build a solar oven and prepare cornbread in it.  In this solar oven cooking lesson, students follow instructions to create a solar oven.  Students are given recipes for butter and cornbread to follow and cook...

Students study the work of American scene painter Charles Burchfield. In this visual arts lesson plan, students research the nature paintings of Burchfield and then paint their own watercolor scenes in his style.

Young scholars contribute to a classroom art show. For this art appreciation lesson, students research the lives and works of artists from different ages. Young scholars write reports, recreate artwork of their researched artists, and...

Students examine the methods of effective characterization. In this writing skills lesson, students discuss how emotions, dialogue, actions, and physical descriptions build believable characters. Students then use the methods of...

Learners explore surreal art and poetry. In this visual arts lesson plan, students examine works by André Breton, Robert Desnos, Salvador Dalí, and Joan Miro. Learners then apply the techniques in the works they analyze to their own poetry.

Students compare revolutionary actions of Jose Marti and Pete Seeger. In this Cuban folk song lesson, students listen to the song "Guantanamera" and discuss the content. Students read articles on the poet and the songwriter and create a...

Students consider the role of Sacagawea as part of the Corps of Discovery. In this Lewis and Clark expedition lesson, students discover details about Sacagawea's wampum belt and then create their own wampum belts using their computer and...

Students compare and contrast Cinderella stories. In this folktale lesson, students discuss the attributes of the genre and then read and research different cultural versions of the tale. Students present their findings to their classmates.

Learners analyze the elements of poetry and jazz. In this critical thinking skills lesson, students take a closer look at the rhyme, rhythm, alliteration, form, free verse, lyricism, and imagery that exist is jazz as well as poetry. 

Students take a closer look at archetypes. In this characterization lesson, students examine the setting and the characters of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as they read and analyze the novel. Students consider how Twain mythically...

Students create a geometric pattern using mandalas, polygons and symmetry. In this geometry lesson, students analyze the mathematics involved in making the mandalas, including the shapes and symmetry. Students create their own mandalas...

Students investigate the art of baseball. In this sports lesson plan, students discuss their thoughts about the sport of baseball and create a baseball word list. Students use pattern blocks and drawing paper to create a...

Fourth graders experience pioneer life on the Oregon trail. In this pioneer lesson plan, 4th graders research the reasons for moving west and what life was like on the trail. They create a map, complete an oral presentation, and write...

Learners celebrate the Chinese New Year and listen to the story behind the Chinese Lion Dance.  In this Chinese New Year lesson, students research the geography and culture of China.  Learners create puppets, dance the Lion...