Explorations in Art

Big Ideas and Essential Questions
Each unit is organized around a Big Idea and an Essential Question. For example: “Alone and Together: How do people share their lives with one another?” These Big Ideas engage students in exploring the relevance of art in their own lives and the lives of people across time and place.

Process-Based Studios
By learning a process that emphasizes the importance of thinking, planning, and reflection, students go beyond “make and take.” Process-based studios help students learn process-based thinking as it relates to art, design, and other areas of the curriculum.

STEAM Lessons and Connections
Each unit includes STEAM lessons developed by a team of experts. These engaging lessons include student exploration of STEAM concepts through viewing, discussing, and creating artworks. Combine these lessons with the STEAM Art Cards for group work and exploration.

Emphasis on Inquiry
As students create their own artworks and respond to artworks made by others, they investigate ideas and construct meaningful connections to learning and inquiry across the curriculum, including STEAM, literacy, and connections across the arts.