America from the Great Depression to World War II: Photographs from the FSA-OWI, 1935-1945

Abstract:

This site contains links to thousands of the most famous documentary photographs ever produced. The Farm Security Administrations's photographs cover the Great Depression, while the Office of War Administration's photographs look at the mobilization effort for World War II.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Library of Congress

America's First Look into the Camera: Daguerreotype Portraits and Views, 1839-1864

Abstract:

This site consists of more than 650 photographs dating from 1839 to 1864. Portrait daguerreotypes produced by the Mathematics and Statisticsew Brady studio make up the major portion of the collection. The collection also includes early architectural views by John Plumbe, several Philadelphia street scenes, early portraits by pioneering daguerreotypist Robert Cornelius, and copies of painted portraits.

Subject:

Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Library of Congress

Art Appreciation and Techniques

Abstract:

This course encourages students to develop an interest in and appreciation for art in all its variety, and promotes expression of this appreciation in an informed and critical way. Upon successful completion of this course, student will be able to: provide several different definitions of the term "Visual arts"; explain the debates that surround the act of defining art; list and discuss some of the roles that the visual arts have historically played; define and apply terms used to describe and analyze a work of visual art; describe and discuss works of visual art using appropriate vocabulary; define and explain in a technical fashion the different methods, mediums, and materials that artists use to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of visual art; compare and contrast different methods, mediums, and materials artists use to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of visual art; identify the important stylistic developments in the history of art; compare and contrast the artistic styles that have defined different historical eras and geographies; demonstrate an awareness of the importance of acknowledging cultural and historical contexts when approaching art. (Art History 101)

Subject:

Arts, Humanities

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Saylor Foundation

Art Frees the Soul: Sixth Street Photography Workshop

Abstract:

SPARK follows photographers from the Sixth Street Photography Workshop as they take pictures of their lives and ideas in some of San Francisco's most depressed neighborhoods. This Educator Guide is about the history of photography.

Subject:

Arts

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary

Collection:

KQED Education Network

A Brief History of Stereographs and Stereoscopes

Abstract:

Examines the history of stereoscopes and stereographs, including their cultural impact and changes in technology. Provides context for resources in the Travelers in the Middle East Archive (TIMEA). Part 1 of a 4 part course called "History through the Stereoscope."

Subject:

Humanities

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Connexions

Building Video Literacy: Framing

Abstract:

In this activity created by EDC's Center for Children and Technology, students explore how the framing of a shot affects the meaning of an image.

Subject:

Arts

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary

Collection:

Teachers' Domain

The Campaign for Vicksburg, 1863

Abstract:

This guide was written to help you bring to life the human struggle that was endured in the Campaign for Vicksburg. The guide can help you bring a complex subject to your students. You and your students will probably come up with new and different ways to see the Park. We hope this guide will give you a few new tools to teach and enlighten your class. After all, the Campaign for Vicksburg was more than generals and maps, it was the common soldier, sailor and civilian who witnessed a lifetime in 47 days. Invite your students to experience those times and see beyond the hills to the people.

Subject:

Arts, Mathematics and Statistics, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary

Collection:

National Park Service

CogDogBlog

Abstract:

Welcome to CogDogBlog, Alan Levine's place to bark about cool technology, web X.0 hype, weird web sites, photography, and other targets big and small.

Composing Your Life: Exploration of Self through Visual Arts and Writing, Spring 2006

Abstract:

In this interdisciplinary seminar, we explore a variety of visual and written tools for self exploration and self expression. Through discussion, written assignments, and directed exercises, students practice utilizing a variety of media to explore and express who they are.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

MIT OpenCourseWare

Digital Photography

Abstract:

Digital Photography will allow students to become familiar with the functions of a digital camera. Students will learn how to use light and their camera to create art. They will also learn the rules of photography and how to tastefully break them. Students will develop higher level thinking through art criticism, art history, and aesthetics by learning about photography.

Subject:

Arts, Humanities

Collection:

Open High School of Utah

Documentary Photography and Photo Journalism: Still Images of A World In Motion, Spring 2002

Abstract:

Designed to increase students' understanding of, appreciation for, and ability to do documentary photography and photojournalism. Each three-hour class is divided between a discussion of issues and readings, and a group critique of students' projects. Students must have their own photographic equipment and be responsible for processing and printing: either by student or commercial lab. Students must show basic proficiency with their equipment. Readings include Susan Sontag, Robert Coles, Ken Light, Eugene Richards, and others. Previous photographic experience required.

Subject:

Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

MIT OpenCourseWare

Earth as Art: A Landsat Perspective

Abstract:

Shows striking photos of Aleutian clouds, the Araca River (Brazil), Atlas Mountains (Morocco), Guinea-Bissau (West Africa), Bolivian deforestation, Parana River delta marshland (Argentina), volcanoes in Chile, the Great Salt Desert in Iran (Dasht-e Kevir), Dragon Lake (Siberia), the Everglades, Ganges River delta, Greenland coast, West Fjords (Iceland), Karman vortices, Kilimanjaro (East Africa), the world's largest glacier (Lambert Glacier), and more.

Subject:

Arts, Humanities, Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

SubTopics:

Eco Art and Culture

Collection:

Library of Congress

Edward S. Curtis's The North American Indian: Photographic Images

Abstract:

This is one of the most significant and controversial representations of American Indian culture ever produced. Issued in a limited edition from 1907-1930, the publication continues to influence the image of Indians in popular culture. In over 2000 photos and narrative, Curtis portrayed the traditional customs and lifeways of 80 Indian tribes.

Subject:

Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Library of Congress

Egypt through the Stereoscope: Stereography and Virtual Travel

Abstract:

Examines how stereographs were used as a means of virtual travel. Focuses on James Henry Breasted's "Egypt through the Stereoscope" (1905, 1908). Provides context for resources in the Travelers in the Middle East Archive (TIMEA). Part 3 of a 4 part course called "History through the Stereoscope."

Subject:

Humanities

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Connexions

Foto: Modernity in Central Europe, 1918-1945

Abstract:

During and directly after World War I, four great empires (Germany, Austro-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottomans) crumbled precipitously, to be replaced by more than one dozen fledgling nation-states. The largely agrarian, in some cases semifeudal, societies of central Europe were thrust nearly overnight into crises of civil war, unemployment, or inflation — and beyond these crises into a world propelled by mass media and consumer economies. Becoming modern was attractive but also anxiety-provoking, and responses to this prospect ranged from jubilation to cynicism, from fond nostalgia to fantastic visions of the future.
Each of the eight thematic sections in Foto brings together work made between 1918 and 1945 from across the region, comparing individual or local differences against the larger heritage sketched here of common institutions and attitudes toward “the modern.”

Subject:

Arts

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

National Gallery of Art

"Fundamentals of Computational Media Design, Fall 2008"

Abstract:

" This class covers the history of 20th century art and design from the perspective of the technologist. Methods for visual analysis, oral critique, and digital expression are introduced. Class projects this term use the OLPC XO (One Laptop Per Child) laptop, Csound and Python software."

Subject:

Humanities

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

MIT OpenCourseWare

Fundamentals of Computational Media Design, Spring 2003

Abstract:

Introduces principles of analysis and synthesis in the computational medium. Expressive examples that illustrate the intersection of computation with the traditional arts are developed on a weekly basis. Hands-on design exercises are continually framed and examined in the larger context of contemporary digital art.

Subject:

Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

MIT OpenCourseWare

Gifts of the Family

Abstract:

High School students learn how to honor loved ones through creating art. They will incorporate writing, photography, painting, and collaging. Visual meditation will guide them in focusing deeper on details and memories. Through the process of art making, students learn and share each others' stories and learn about themselves.

Subject:

Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Secondary

Collection:

Individual Authors

HistoryWired: A few of our favorite things

Abstract:

Welcome to the Smithsonian Institution's HistoryWired: A few of our favorite things. This experimental site introduces visitors to some of the three million objects held by the National Museum of American History, Behring Center. With less than five percent of our vast and diverse collection on public display in our exhibit halls, we hope that Web sites like this will bring many more of our treasures into public view. The initial 450 objects, selected by curators from across the Museum, include famous, unusual, and everyday items with interesting stories to tell. They are not intended to be representative of the Museum's entire collection.

Subject:

Humanities

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Smithsonian Institutions