Why do artists create? To solve a problem, of course. Young artists work individually and then in groups to create observational, imaginative, and narrative drawings in response to an assignment that requires them to employ all 16...

In this word problems activity, learners read and problem solve nine  mathematical word problems involving grids, measurement, compensation and angles.

Before reading Chapter Six, "The Platinum-Blond Man" in Matilda, readers preview the illustration of Mrs. Wormwood dropping her plate of food, and think about what may have happened to cause the scene. After reading the chapter, class...

Students explore conflict resolution.  In this character development lesson, students decorate paper plates to use as puppets. Students role play scenarios in which classroom problem solving is practiced.

Young scholars study story problems and learn how to find and justify their answers. They will use a story problem and then respond to the prompt questions from the teacher. They must add and subtract facts to 6 and learn how to justify...

Use drama techniques to recreate the story, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni. They engage in problem-solving as they identify the roles they will fufill in their groups for the performance. This is a motivating way to...

Students develop an awareness of environmental print, such as signs, logos, brand names, and other print and non-print items that the children see and read in their neighborhood each day. They then engage in active problem solving as...

Young scholars create self-portraits using the technology of digital cameras mixed with other media. Adobe Photoshop is a requirement for this specific three week project. State standards for the arts are addressed.

Carlos Fuentes’s The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait and Jaspre Bark’s Journal of Inventions: Leondardo da Vince serve as models for an assignment that asks class members to create a personal journal they will use...

Sixth graders view a video of tessellating an egg shape. They focus upon the problem solving strategies used and how tessellation geometry was used to construct the three dimensional figure. They create their own tiling patterns.

Explore how illustrations add to a story. Young learners will look at picture books to see how the pictures tell the story. They create illustrations to go with a chosen story, and then flip the activity so they have to write a story to...

Students apply basic or advanced mathematical skills while working cooperatively with other students to solve problems. They demonstrate comprehension of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and or division with a strategy that...

Middle schoolers examine cereal boxes for nutrition information.  In this nutrition lesson, students redesign cereal boxes to reflect their nutritional value. Middle schoolers understand that some cereals contain too high a...

Fourth graders explore number sense by completing word problems in class. In this estimation lesson, 4th graders define terms such as sum, difference, estimate and best. Students complete estimating worksheets based on the concept of...

Young cartographers in groups hide treasure at school and then create a map to find it using pattern blocks and tiles. They make paintings with clues to create a visual representation of the location of their treasure. Groups present...

Students learn the characteristics of economic systems through problem solving, communication and representation. In this financial lending instructional activity, students use math to solve problems dealing with the economy today, to...

Students study the basic elements and concepts of the visual art's perceptual component - such as shape, line and color. They create tessellations that foster problem solving and reflective thinking.

Through the use of stories, artwork, and the KidPix program, youngsters explore the color word red, and engage in activities around the word. Teaching kindergartners about the color words can be so much fun. This could be adapted for any...

Middle schoolers investigate the benefits of dance and participate in dances. In this dance lesson, students investigate a number of dances such as square dancing and clogging that are native to Appalachia. They use math concepts to...

Here is a tasty topic for a lesson: Christmas candy! Third and fourth graders research classic Christmas candies, then create their very own! They write a descriptive paragraph about their candy, then use KidPix to create an illustration...

Students manipulate pictures using Adobe Photoshop and digital cameras to produce unique abstract works. This lesson can be modified to include a painting/mixed media element. State standards are addressed in this lesson.

Spruce up a class reading of the children's book Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback with this fun series of activities. Starting with a list of reading comprehension questions and key vocabulary to address during a teacher...

Students practice using visuals to solve math problems. In this math manipulative lesson, students utilize pattern blocks to participate in a class game in which geometric shapes touch other player's pieces. Students gain points based on...

Fourth graders explore, analyze and study how the arts serve a variety of purposes in the life of the students, community and culture. They enhance how technology influences the learning process and issues involving problem solving. Each...