Search the Creative Activity Library
Age Group
Resource Type
Words, Words, Everywhere!
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.
Human Transformation
When discussing his artwork in the video provided in this lesson, El Anatsui talks about transformation and fluidity, and how they replicate life. Students will examine Rain Has No Father?, paying special attention to the folds and malleability of the artwork. The class will use Anatsui's quote, "Human relations are not fixed…they change from time to time; they are dynamic," to spark discussion and inspire personal writing topics.
Cause and Effect
Students will critically examine and discuss the image of St. Ferdinand, King of Spain and use what they learn to demonstrate an understanding of the concept of cause and effect. Students will work collaboratively to create a cause-and-effect chart relating to both the artistic style of the object and the historical significance of the subject represented.
Creating An Alter Ego
Students will examine the artistic characteristics of the Olmec Seated Figure, learn about significant cultural beliefs in the Olmec civilization, and write a descriptive essay or creative short story featuring an alter ego.
Symbols of Peace
In this lesson, students will find examples of stories and symbols that represent unity, harmony, or peace on the Senufo Drum. They will then compare the West African symbols to symbols from their own culture.
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.
What’s On Your Mind?
Students will examine the artistic characteristics of Trade Canoe for Don Quixote and describe large-scale and smaller-scale issues that are of concern to them. Then they will create a short essay or brochure describing an issue that concerns them along with solutions for improving the situation.
Moving Around the World
Students will trace the biogeographical journey of the artist who created the sculpture Spiritual Messenger and examine how people and their work reflect the cultural experiences they have had. The students will share personal examples of activities and possessions that reflect a blending of different cultures, and then create an illustration with accompanying caption that shows an example of cultural fusion in their own lives.
What a Gift!
Students will examine the artistic characteristics of the Maya Vase with Palace Scene, locate Guatemala on a map of the world, and identify defining features of the country. Then they will reflect on the kinds of gifts that were considered valuable during different time periods and civilizations, and create a timeline demonstrating how the idea of what is considered a valuable gift has changed over time.
Comparing Cultures
Students will examine the artistic characteristics of the Warrior Figure, locate Costa Rica on a world map, and identify defining features of the country. Then they will compare and contrast the Warrior Figure and the civilization/culture in which it was made with another art object from the Creativity Resource website and its associated civilization/culture.