Academic Programs –> National Gallery of Art--Sculpture –> Ms. Shade's class, Walker-Jones E.S.

National Gallery of Art

During this unit, students learn about sculpture. In the classroom, they are introduced to representative sculptures from throughout history, with a primary focus on the modern era. Students identify sculptures' subject matter, materials, and texture. They also learn to distinguish between realistic and abstract sculpture, and to analyze different ways the sculptor conveys his or her message.  At the National Gallery students build off of their prior knowledge, examining and interpreting different types of sculptures. They conclude their tour with an exploration of the works of Alexander Calder.  During post-trip classroom activities, students build a "stabile" similar to those pioneered by Calder.
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Before beginning the tour of the National Gallery, students review common materials used to make sculptures. (top left)

Students gaze upward at a giant Calder sculpture commissioned by the Gallery. (top right)

After the tour, the class poses for a photo. (right)

Back in the classroom, students get creative and design their own "stabiles" inspired by the works they viewed at the Gallery. (below left and right)


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