Lesson Plans

MCASD is dedicated to supporting educators and providing resources to promote classroom art education. The Museum's Education Department has developed a variety of standards-based lesson plans that can be adapted for various grade levels, utilize inexpensive materials, and promote class dialogue regarding contemporary artists and issues related to creativity and personal expression. These lesson plans can function independently, however we encourage school museum visits and tours to connect exhibition related lesson plans to art exploration in our galleries.

Please click on the links below to download PDF lesson plans based on MCASD collection piece and exhibitions:

California Landscape Mural

In this one-session lesson plan students will create a collaborative mural of a landscape, incorporating complementary colors and contrast. This lesson is designed for grades 4-5 and will take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete.

Recycled Sculpture

Using recycled materials, students will create a sculpture using additive and subtractive processes in a 45 minute class session. This lesson plan is designed for 3rd- 5th grade classes.

Self-Portrait

In this lesson, students will be guided by steps as they create a self-portrait using colored pastels. They will also use their self-portraits as a springboard to write a personal narrative. This lesson plan is designed for 3rd- 5th grade classes, and will take approximately 1 ½ hours to complete in one session.

Objects as Identity

Based on Rochelle Costi's Quartos, this lesson provides students with the opportunity to use one-point perspective to create a drawing of a room featuring items that reveal their identity. This lesson is designed for grades 4-6, and fills approximately one 90 minute class session.

Tattooing Objects

Inspired by the work of Dr. Lakra, an artist featured in MCASD's Viva la Revolucion, this lesson plan provides students with the opportunity to layer a tattoo design on a found object of their choice. Discussion questions are included to develop a conversation about the aesthetic value of what is conventionally thought of as a "low" artform. This lesson is oriented towards High School students, and will take 2-3 hours.