These lessons prepare your elementary school students for a visit to an art museum, including a lesson in the museum galleries. Insert these lessons into any art curriculum. Learning objectives in the lessons build on skills learned in previous lessons. Therefore, lessons should be taught in sequence.

Lessons 1–3 of 3

Looking and Learning in the Art Museum (Grades K–5)—Lesson 1
Grades/Level: Lower Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5)
Subjects: Visual Arts
Lesson Overview: This is the first lesson in a sequential unit. Students practice looking and formal analysis skills by studying a reproduction of the work of art they will see on their museum visit in Lesson 2. Prepare students for their trip by reviewing appropriate behavior in a museum and discussing the role of the museum as an institution that collects, conserves, and interprets works of art.

Looking and Learning in the Art Museum (Grades K–5)—Lesson 2
Grades/Level: Lower Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5)
Subjects: Visual Arts
Lesson Overview: This is the second lesson in a sequential unit. Students practice looking skills from Lesson 1 in a museum gallery. Through a drawing exercise and discussion, students use the elements of art to explore the differences between viewing original works of art and reproductions. Students also compare how the elements of art are used in different works of art in the same gallery.

Looking and Learning in the Art Museum (Grades K–5)—Lesson 3
Grades/Level: Lower Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5)
Subjects: Visual Arts, English—Language Arts
Lesson Overview: This is the third lesson in a sequential unit. This exercise reinforces what students learned on a visit to an art museum about looking at an original work of art and looking at a reproduction. Students create a drawing using the elements of art reviewed in Lessons 1 and 2. Students in grades 2–5 reflect on their museum visit in writing.

Lessons 1–3 of 3