School Tours: American Art
Grades 4–12
Request this tour | Pre-visit Video (for Grades 2–6)
How does art send messages about a nation and its identity? In this tour, students explore the historical and cultural connections among selected works of American art.
Looking and Learning Skills
During four or five tour stops in the galleries, students engage in activities—such as looking exercises, and working in small groups—that foster conversations about works of art. The following skills are promoted:
- making and articulating careful observations
- formulating questions that demonstrate curiosity and engagement
- comparing and connecting different works of art
- using works of art as primary sources on American art and society
- connecting new ideas learned from the tour to prior knowledge and experience
Logistical Information
Group Size: Up to 60 students
Length: 60 minutes for grade 4, 75 minutes for grades 5–12
Meeting Location: West Building, Rotunda, Main Floor
Museum policies
Student lunches
General information
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- 19th-Century American Art (online interactive unit; printable learning resources and guides)
- American Art (free loan DVDs, teaching packets, pod-casts, online features, etc.)
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