Students will investigate the complex relationship
between human and machine. Students will be
asked to evaluate where the source of value and
self worth is derived from.
Students are encouraged to explore the notion of
power and position as it is represented in Etrog’s
machine-like images of King and Queen. Students
will be asked to evaluate and re-evaluate the
interplay of power and position in their learning
environment and their own lives.
In this lesson students are encouraged to explore
the disconnect between heart, mind and body in
our society. As demonstrated in the Walking
Figures sculptures, individuals use their bodies to
transport themselves through the environment
without necessarily connecting their mind or heart to the
experience.
With the placement of these sculptures adjacent to a busy rapid
transit station, it allows the viewer an excellent opportunity to note
this disconnect of heart, mind, and body in real life.
Drawing inspiration from Yvonne Domenge’s
Sculpture Wind Waves, students are encouraged
to explore the endless possibilities within their
natural world. With a focus on winds and waves, students are introduced to the concept that Earths’ Natural Cycles are in constant flux, balancing and regulating its atmosphere. From this entry point, students are asked to contemplate how natures’ activities can inspire our man-made environment. This lesson provides connections to various cross-disciplinary curriculums.
In this lesson students are encouraged to explore how
Javier Marín’s giant artistic heads- a Head of Cordoba,
Vainilla, and Chiapas, can represent the multiple
perspectives that human beings can bring towards a
subject- be it history or art.
In this lesson students are encouraged to
think about nostalgic artifacts and needed
possessions through an environmental lens.

In this leeson the students are encouraged to explore
the causes and consequences of homelessness and
housing in an urban setting.
In this lesson students are encouraged to explore
forms and structures of communication and learning.
The act of coming together and assembling people
to discuss business, social or other purposes occurs
frequently. These arrangements can range from the most formalist
of meetings, incorporating structured rules, to an exchange of ideas
over a cup of tea and biscuits. The circle formation and equanimity
of the figures is particularly prominent.
In this lesson students are encouraged to
think about taking the time to stop throughout
their daily routines and appreciate their gifts
and surroundings. The act of stopping breaks
the cycle of reaction and opens choices as an option.
What is the BIG IDEA about "The Stop"? [View Video]
In this lesson students are encouraged to
explore unconventional materials and styles
when developing visual art. As demonstrated
in Hema Upadhyay’s matchstick art piece,
students are prompted to re-evaluate artistic materials and
the process of artistic expression.
In this lesson students are encouraged to
explore how meaning is made within their
immediate environment. After viewing the
artwork, utilizing their surroundings (signs,
objects, and advertising) students are encouraged to create
meaning and poems from found words, phrases, and whole
passages. What is the BIG IDEAS about "Echoes"? [View Video]
In this lesson students will investigate connections
between political or social commentary and public art.
What is the BIG IDEA about "Miss Mao"? [View Video]
In this piece the artist uses materials to create
different shapes and forms. Referencing the
artists work, math teachers have created curriculum
challenges that incorporates art and calculation.
Life can be difficult for youth. They are interpreting
their world and making sense of their identity. Along
with this process often comes heightened emotions
and the pressure to respond. Practicing mindfulness
is one tool that can help individuals center themselves and
balance emotional wellness. In this lesson, students are
encouraged to engage with Zhan Wang’s Artificial Rock #143 and
reflect on creating an understanding around social-emotional
wellness that fits their lives.
In this lesson students are encouraged to explore
Jun Ren’s Water Series and his approach towards
humans evaluating nature. In this activity students
will develop a firsthand understanding of the Laws
of Gravity and gravity’s physical influence on actions and reactions.
We develop many relationships throughout our
lives, whether they are between family, friends to
dating partners. In this lesson, students are
encouraged to think about the elements that compose
healthy relationships.
Many believe that nature and life led by mankind
are interconnected. At times, a sustainable balance
between our eco-systems and human development
are in conflict and a sustainable balance can be
challenging to achieve. This piece challenges students to
consider how they can respect their natural environments and
foster equilibrium.
Censorship is all pervasive and all encompassing.
Censorship may be deliberately imposed or tainted
through media, economic, political, cultural, religious
or other forces, and thus denies voice and
understanding. Censorship is also a closure in listening; pre-formed
ideas that block information being received and a clear vision of
what is. Artists have always struggled to overcome censorship on
multiple levels, often by directing communication at the
emotional/feeling side of human experience.
What is the BIG IDEA about "A-Maze-ing Laughter"? [View Video]
In this lesson students are encouraged to explore
the challenges related to immigration and settlement.
They will develop an understanding of how the
process of immigration affects students within their
school and people within their community. The learning outcome
is to develop and practice empathy towards their peers.
What is the BIG IDEA about "We, 2008"? [View Video]