Discusses an art project that focuses on fine arts prints. Uses three printmaking techniques: (1) stamping, (2) monotypes, and (3) intaglio (drypoint), with a focus on monotypes. Explains that the students created self-portraits using the monoprint technique by drawing their faces on a mirror and pulling the print off this surface. (CMK)

Discusses an art activity that has students create pictures in which they first trace a chameleon pattern and then add camouflage to conceal the chameleon. Explains that different materials and techniques are used for students in grades k-1 and 2-5. (CMK)

Describes a unit on clay casting that introduces students to relief sculpture. The unit takes three 45 to 50 minute class periods three weeks apart. Discusses each class session in detail: (1) creating the casting; (2) turning out and rinsing the casting; and (3) enriching the surface with color. (CMK)

Describes a drawing assignment, using colored pencil, that explores color, texture, and relationships among drawn objects. Students use reference photographs to create a drawing in which one object is juxtaposed against a crowd of similar but different objects. (CMK)

Describes an art lesson where fifth-grade students created Oaxaca style papier mache sculptures of either their favorite pet or animal. Discusses how to create the sculptures and includes a list of materials. States that the book, "Oaxacan Woodcarving: The Magic in the Trees," was used to introduce students to the project. (CMK)

Describes a kindergarten art activity in which students created masks in celebration of Mardi Gras (New Orleans, Louisiana). Explains that the students learned about Mardi Gras and saw a coloring demonstration to prepare them for the project. Discusses in detail the process of creating the masks. (CMK)

Presents an art activity in which first grade students draw dinosaurs in order to learn about the concept of warm and cool colors. Explains how the activity also helped the students learn about the concept of distance when drawing. (CMK)

Focuses on an activity in which the students in a beginning drawing class used middle-value brown paper and earthen shades of conte to draw pictures of bones in a desert environment. Discusses how the assignment teaches appreciation of the colors, sounds, and shapes of the desert. (CMK)

Reviews recent brain research in education. Provides five implications for teaching in art: (1) use emotion; (2) use different sense; (3) promote student self-direction; (4) enable social learning; and (5) encourage pattern finding. Describes two sample art units demonstrating how the five implications and art instruction can be integrated. (CMK)

Describes an art activity in which students create patterned booklets. Explains that the activity provides students with an opportunity to study pattern, rhythm, color, and shape while participating in hands-on learning. Provides a list of vocabulary and the exact steps of constructing the booklet. (CMK)

Describes an art activity where kindergarten students learned about different art styles and approaches and then created their own self-portraits. Explains that the lesson could work with other elementary grades. Lists different visuals that were used as inspiration for the lesson, the materials, and learning objectives. (CMK)

Describes an art lesson in which third-grade students create mounted trophy fish. Explains how the students created the three-dimensional fish, the board on which to mount the fish, and the small paper plaque with information about the trophy fish. (CMK)

Describes a joint venture between the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and the Department of Education in France that was created to allow students to do practical scientific work with the help of a CNRS researcher. Presents two practical projects done by students on organic polymers and on color. Concludes that this increases…

Discusses the use of the Rainbow Solfege system with early elementary aged children. Uses color-coding to connect the teaching of music notation symbols with aural solfege. Addresses the use of color in teaching music and how to use the system. (CMK)

Provides historical background on mosaics. Describes an art activity in which students create their own mosaics. Discusses what the students can use as material to make the project much more cost effective and explains the process of creating the mosaics in detail. (CMK)