Find out how the CAP web site provides expanded resources for teaching and learning social studies.

Explore visiting and performance artists' work and background.

Who? What? Where? When? How? Why?

In this lesson, students will generate questions about a particular object, categorize the questions, and then try to answer the questions through research and imaginative writing. You the teacher do not need to be an expert on this object or on African art. You just need to keep the activity going. The goal is to look carefully and long at an object and to become curious about it through this type of exploration. Using questions only – to begin with – lessens intimidation about knowing the “right answer” and allows for ongoing investigation and greater participation by all students.

GRADE LEVEL: Grades 3–12

TIME ALLOTMENT: 3–5 periods

SUBJECT MATTER: African art and culture

NYS LEARNING STANDARDS

Social Studies: II – 1, 3
English Language Arts: I, II
Arts: II, III, IV
See Complete NYS Learning Standards

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Students will:

• Be able to visually explore a previously unknown art object through close observation and interrogation.
• Have a practical understanding of research techniques, using library and internet resource materials.
• Be familiar with the use art as a point of departure for creative writing.