Coming up with accessible and inspiring cross-curricular ideas may seem like a challenging task, yet when you implement creativity and strategic planning, you will be able to adjust things on the fly and focus on what works for you. It means you can choose your priorities based on initial needs by adding different subjects on an immediate need basis. It helps to experiment and avoid the trouble of limiting yourself either with
STEM subjects or arts alone. When you are dealing with an art project, it has to be fun and creative in the first place without making it feel like a chore. For example, when you are dealing with History and Geography disciplines, it's always possible to see it through the lens of famous artists and document the socio-cultural peculiarities of each region as you travel through history's timeline. Keeping everything based on the timeline, chronology, and scenes related to schools of art, you can fully extend the limitations and let your students participate.
The Best Art Projects for Cross-Curricular Learning in the Classroom
- Implementations of Math and Architecture.
Uniting calculations and drawings is one of the most fascinating experiences that learners of all ages and backgrounds will appreciate. Think about learning all the shapes and measurements by focusing on the world's best chappels, Egypt's pyramids, or other famous objects across the world. Since it takes Math to appreciate it all, you can talk about measurement methods, symmetry, the use of technology, and more. Talk about innovative concepts and explain how the visuals can help create and build various objects. Now, if you are an architect stuck with the writing part, you can always
buy a research paper and focus on the drawing part as you use certain objectives and explore how they can be achieved. As an educator, you can also approach additional assistance when you need to narrow something down or edit lengthy content.
- Linguistics and Cultural Points.
It is also possible to implement learning a foreign language as you explore various cultural points and immerse yourself in a totally new environment. It is also possible for medical and nursing students to explore Greek and Latin this way. For other projects that are more art-focused, it can be done through the lens of famous paintings as you explore the legacy of famous Flemish artists. As the language is concerned, it reveals numerous slang terms and linguistic peculiarities of Dutch grammar and language structures. It makes even the most complex art projects more interesting and inspiring as students can take time to explore.
- Drama Lessons and History.
If you want to take things to another level, turn your classroom into a real theater! Think about using school drama lessons as a way to stir debates and fruitful discussions related to social, current, and historical events. This way, students can learn more about social movements and important events that have taken place before. You can use subjects like racial prejudice in literary works and combine reading, drama, and history knowledge in a single project. Likewise, subjects like adulthood and maturity in different cultures can be used through the lens of famous artworks to compare with the present times.
- Business Marketing and Arts.
While most artists will frown upon an idea of business skills, it is safe to say that the field of marketing and promotion is also an art of its own. Teaching students about the main business principles is essential these days, even if only to promote artistic creativity and boost one’s self-esteem. It also teaches how to choose a suitable university
for artist-type personalities who wish to learn how to manage exhibitions. You can ask your students to imagine that they have to host an exhibition or promote an online museum. This way, you can implement business studies, arts, and the core concepts of management. It is also a great opportunity to keep everyone involved and let students use their additional skills like web design, journalistic skills, and business planning.
Writing Down Your Observations or Why Taking Notes Matters
Without a doubt, when you have to combine art and science, things can easily get rough as you have to implement all the latest technology without keeping it overly digital and complex. Nevertheless, it is not only possible but necessary to combine the world of creativity with the arts. The trick is to write down your observations or have them recorded with smartphones or voice recorders. Try to take things outside by allowing your learners to explore,
connect with nature, and spend more time in the schoolyard. This way, they can observe, take scientific notes, and then document it through paintings or other types and forms of creative expression. Since the writing part will already be done through taking notes, the students will be happy to learn that they won't have to write more as they only have to take notes that will help them express their creativity later on. It will be a great relief for any modern learner. As for you, you will unite several subjects at once by keeping everyone happy!
BIO
Elaine Bailey is an artist with a passion for education and technology. As she explores the best ways to make classrooms inclusive and creative, she loves seeking innovations and sharing helpful tips. Follow Elaine to let your creativity unfold and find inspiration.
