Teachers First - Thinking Teachers Teaching Thinkers

You'll be enlightened, amazed, and even mystified by this eclectic collection of online museums that tout the bizarre, the practical, and the mundane. Interspersed among the "traditional' exhibits featuring the likes of Van Gogh and Ansel Adams are those covering a dizzying array of interests and obsessions. Check out the Gallery of Stove Burners, Ephemera Now, or the Museum of Norwegian Manhole Covers (we're not kidding). In addition to making some interesting cultural statements, the exhibits provide great ideas and insights for art and photography students.

tag(s): artists (85), inventors and inventions (80), museums (52), trivia (19)

This searchable collection of images from the New York Public Library contains thousands of items scanned from dust jackets, documents, posters, maps, illustrated books, and more. There is no fee for classroom or research uses, but the images may not be disseminated in any form (books, articles, brochures, Web pages, etc.). Please include the citations used in the "gallery" when incorporating these resources into your teaching materials. Encourage your students to do the same and introduce them to the concept of Fair Use!

tag(s): images (263)

If you can't take your students to see Van Gogh's works in person, at least take them to the computer lab to stroll through the virtual halls of the National Gallery. Visitors can navigate through the exhibit, zoom in on paintings of interest, and read and listen to learn more about them.

tag(s): painting (55), van gogh (8)

Secondary students can use this interactive tool to experiment with the color, space, and visual rhythm characteristic of Piet Mondrian's work. Start with one solid block, then follow basic instructions to create horizontal and vertical divisions. Each rectangle can be easily resized or re-colored. A few simple mouse clicks will yield impressive results.

J.K. Rowling's site is a welcome change from the standard publisher's fare, offering an assortment of Harry Potter trivia and many interesting facts about how the stories came to be and have evolved. While it's not strictly instructional, this one would be a great source of facts for a Harry Potter webquest.

tag(s): harry potter (9)

This site contains two great activities for introducing students to styles, methods, and materials used by sculptors. First, tour the sculpture garden at the Hirshorn Museum to view works by contemporary artists, then enter the interactive realm to create an original piece of sculpture. Finally, take a look at how your masterpiece actually looks in the museum!

tag(s): sculpture (18)

This online exhibit of paintings by 18th century American artist Gilbert Stuart offers a virtual gallery, a narrated and illustrated story about his life as (appropriate for upper elementary students), a timeline, and a collection of interactive activities.

tag(s): artists (85)

Enter this virtual exhibit to view satellite photos of some of the world's most amazing geographic and geologic treasure. Basic maps are provided to show visitors the approximate location of each strange and awe-inspiring art form. Dramatic deforestation in the Amazon Basin, the West Fjords of Iceland, and the Lambert Glacier in Antarctica are among the breathtaking images included in the collection. Use this site to inspire your art students, illustrate a geographic concept, or enrich an environmental science lesson.

tag(s): ecology (103), landforms (39), photography (130)

This large variety of clip art images and photographs is a great resource for K-12 students and teachers. No cost is involved for educational use, but make sure that you read the site's copyright information. This site is SLOW to open, so be patient.

tag(s): air (102)

Art, Literature, U.S. History - Works by some of the greatest photographers of the 20th century are represented in this massive collection of powerful images documenting memorable events in American politics and culture. Project selected photos in class to introduce an event in history, inspire student photographers, or introduce a writing prompt. The sight is searchable and quite user-friendly. A fee is required to download images.

tag(s): photography (130)

This site contains almost everything you will need to teach an "Introduction to Ceramics and Pottery" class! Browse through the formal lesson plans, handouts, worksheets, review activities, quizzes and rubrics. They are all downloadable in Word format and can be easily edited and adapted to your particular classroom needs. PowerPoint presentations and links to works of ceramic artists are included along with an on-line gallery of student work. Take your students to the computer lab to review concepts, vocabulary, and techniques with the Web scavenger hunt, "clay" crossword puzzle, or pop quiz. The site is still a work in progress, but the completed portions are worth checking out. Created by Kerry Marquis.

tag(s): ceramics (2)

Think about creating a curriculum link between art and science using this site as a foundation. Original sketches and chromolithographs of celestial events created by French-born artist and amateur astronomer E.L. Trouvelot are contrasted with contemporary photographic images from NASA.

tag(s): stars (71)

The beauty and mathematical precision of tessellations come alive in this site that celebrates these unique and compelling designs. Basic information about tessellations is provided, along with a biographical profile of M.C. Escher, and a list of resources providing more in-depth information. The Gallery contains a number of tessellations created by Escher and others. Especially of interest to teachers and students is an instructional section that explains how to make tessellations using a variety of materials and constructions. Created by David Annal.

tag(s): optical illusions (10)

Take an interactive, insider's tour of 15th century Florence, and explore the Renaissance through several different themes: art, politics, architecture and science, and religion. Meet the "godfathers" of the Renaissance who will give you tips on how to be a Medici mobster. Discover which Renaissance figure you most resemble. The companion art gallery includes gorgeous images of Renaissance art. If projecting images in the classroom, remember that clothing is a bit scarce in the Sistine Chapel, so consider the maturity level of your students.

tag(s): italy (30), renaissance (38)

Spice up a history class and generate discussion with cartoons taken from the Smithsonian Institution's American Art/Portrait Gallery Library Collection. Images, dating from 1862 to 1955, reflect the power and popularity of this medium throughout American history. Can be browsed by title, artist, or subject.

tag(s): comics and cartoons (55)

This site, by the Lily Library of Indiana University, features the wry wit and artistic talents of America's best political cartoonists. Three distinct and turbulent periods in American history are represented: The Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. Especially notable are the political cartoons from election years 1860 and 1864. Challenge students to think about how these caricatures compare with those found in today's newspapers.

tag(s): comics and cartoons (55), politics (118)

While designed for art history, this time line will also appeal to anyone interested in concise summaries of the movements of prehistoric civilizations and peoples throughout the world. As it moved into ancient and modern history, the site offers nicely written summaries of the relationships between art, culture, and the political and social developments in each culture. World cultures faculties will love this one.

tag(s): art history (103), time (91)

This British Museum site about the ancient Middle East and Asia has seemingly endless nooks and crannies, each of which leads to an encounter about the history and culture of of that civilization. Try it as part of a world cultures course, an introduction to Buddhism or Hinduism, or a look at the geography of the Indian subcontinent.

tag(s): art history (103), asia (116), china (81), india (32), middle east (50)

This site offers a generous helping of images of Mary Cassatt's late 19th-century impressionist work. Cassatt was one of few Americans to paint in the impressionist style, making her even more interesting to American students. Large format images make this site especially useful as a teaching tool.

tag(s): art history (103), artists (85), impressionism (6), painting (55)

This site offers a comprehensive look at the work and life of 17th century Dutch painter Jans Vermeer. It includes an extensive catalog with many full-color, large format images of his paintings. There are also sections on the painter's life, the various schools of Dutch art, and Vermeer's patrons. Great art history reference site!