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The Shape and Meaning of Words
Children will work with each other to shape their bodies into letters. They will then look at letters in the Association, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco poster and repeat the exercise fashioning letters that mirror those in the poster. Drawing upon the fact that the Association, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco poster communicates information, they will then imagine a special event and come up with words to communicate information about that event.
Letters About 19th Century U.S. History
Students will look at decorations and details of a late 19th century cabinet and imagine the life and times of the family who owned it by researching events during this time period. Students will write imaginary letters to a family member based on historical information they research from this time period.
History, But From Whose Point of View?
Students will critically examine and discuss the image of St. Ferdinand, King of Spain, then analyze and interpret it as a historical source for information as well as an important and impressive work of art. Students will consider how the artist and the patron who commissioned its creation influenced this sculpture, and generate a list of questions about the artwork.
The Beauty and Simplicity
Students will observe the Black Raku Tea Bowl for characteristics of wabi sabi, an aesthetic ideal of beauty. Students will then create a haiku poem about a simple, yet elegant item.
Homes: Past, Present, and Future
After studying the history of the Lakota community and aspects of living in a tipi, students will compare the Lakota Tipi to other types of homes in the present and formulate ideas for homes in the future.
Web Map of Understanding
Students will critically examine and discuss the Vase with Palace Scene and use clues they find about the object, as well as researched information, to create web maps that show their findings. Student will gain an appreciation for the importance of chocolate in Maya society.
Sparking Imagination
Students will examine the artistic characteristics of the sculpture Spiritual Messenger, learn about the biogeographical journey of the artist, and write a creative short story that incorporates the sculpture.
Got Your Hieroglyph On It
Students will use visual critique skills to analyze and discuss the image of the Vase with Palace Scene. They will pay particular attention to the use of Maya cultural symbols and design in the decoration. Students will develop sketches and a plan to create their own cup or mug with designs inspired by the Maya.
A Message Without Words
Students will use visual critique skills to analyze and discuss the Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva of Compassion. They will then work in groups to create a multi-media assemblage work of art that visually conveys a chosen emotion.
Portraits of Power
Students will critically examine and discuss the image of the Warrior Figure with Trophy Head. They will then discuss and view how modern leaders and persons of power are depicted and note the similarities and difference of how power is represented across time and culture.
Reading the Signs
Students will critically examine and discuss the image of the Dish with the Eight Buddhist Emblems. They will then fill out a Cornell note-taking template to record symbols and interpretations about time, place, and culture attained from reading signs found on the art object.