See and Do
At-Home School Program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
Each lesson examines artwork from the Palm Springs Art Museum collection and is divided in two parts.
In the first part of the lesson, students will See a work of art from the museum collection. They will also be introduced to the artist, will learn about key ideas, and are provided with a glossary that defines terms that might be new to students.
The second section invites students to Do a hands-on art activity inspired by the artwork. Topics include themes such as the elements of art, art materials, and art subjects.
See and Do is designed to be done by students during their asynchronous learning. Each lesson can be done on its own, and does not to be done in any order.
Download all the lessons
Lesson 1 - Architecture
Meet the museum and learn why museums are important. Students will then get to know complimentary and secondary colors.
Lesson 2 - The Artist as Observer
Students will practice their observation skills while learning about the important role of artists. They will then chose an object, look closely, and draw what they see.
Lesson 3 - Art Materials
Students will discover that there are a number of ways to create a work of art. They will then make a collage with found materials.
Lesson 4 - The Who, What, Where, When, and Why in Art Subjects
The 5Ws can be used to identify subjects in art. Students will use what they learn to assemble a still life and then practice using the 5Ws to create a narrative.
Lesson 5 - The Element of Arts
Students will be introduced to the seven elements of art, and then practice drawing their own examples. They will also experiment with form and balance by cutting out geometric shapes and assembling their own paper sculpture.
Video available soon
Lesson 6 - Local History
The museum houses objects that are important in the history of art, as well as objects that are significant in the history of California and in the Coachella Valley. Students will be introduced to the history of the Cahuilla people and then draw their own basket designs.
Video available soon
Lesson 7 - Maps
Students will learn about artistic practices that use the environment as part of and as inspiration to the work. They will then draw a map of somewhere familiar or a place imagined.
Video available soon
Lesson 8 - Portraits
This lesson focuses on showing identity through portraiture. Students will then pick and choose to draw, collage, or write about a portrait. In the final step, they are encouraged to explain their work by writing an artist statement.
Video available soon
Palm Springs Art Museum’s Education Program for elementary school children is generously supported by the Richard Brooke Foundation.
Funding is also provided by the Helzel Family Foundation, Anderson Children’s Foundation, Palm Springs Unified School District, and US Bank.
