Changing Americans

Smithsonian American Art Museum
8th and G Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20560
(202) 357-3111

Instructional Unit:
A study of the thirteen colonies, and writing throughout the curriculum.

Curriculum Unit:
Grade 5
Social Studies

Objectives:
1. Compare and contrast colonial life with the present.
2. Develop a three-paragraph essay on the observations at the gallery through the use of steps in the writing process (prewriting, writing a rough copy, editing and producing a final copy).
3. Compare the artwork in the social studies book with the works seen at the gallery.
4. Make a time-line of the art works observed at the gallery.

Pre-Visit Activities:
Pre-visit activities will include a unit of study on colonial life. This should include several social studies chapters with appropriate films and film strips.

On-Site Activities:
Have students:

1. Describe the interior and exterior of the building.
2. Talk about one piece of artwork they liked and why.
3. Discuss one piece of art work they didn't like and why.
4. Explain the way colonists dressed, worked, and how it is different from present styles.
5. Compare and contrast life in the colonial times to the present.

Follow-Up Activities:
Follow-up the visit with a discussion of what the students observed at the gallery. Questions should include:

1. What gallery did we visit and what did it look like?
2. What types of art work did we see on our tour?
3. What activities were being depicted in the artwork?
4. How did you feel about the artwork?
5. What did you learn about colonial life through the visit?
6. What did you like most about the tour?

Appendices: none

Bibliography: none

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