Teachers
Online Resources & Loans
American Art
Grades 4–12
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
EXAMPLE WORKS FEATURED ON TOUR
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
ADDITIONAL GALLERY RESOURCES
- 19th-Century American Art (online interactive unit; printable learning resources and guides)
- American Art (free loan DVDs and teaching packets)
Schedule a Tour
Note: We are no longer accepting tour requests for spring 2013. We will begin accepting fall 2013 requests on August 1.
Pre-Visit Information
Watch a video or download a presentation to show your students prior to your visit. View our museum policies, location, parking, accessiblity, security, lunch options, and other important information about visiting.
Questions
Our tour scheduler is available to answer questions on Monday through Wednesday between 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. (September through May). Please contact her at (202) 842-6249 schooltourrequests@nga.gov.
Also see our Frequently Asked Questions about School Tours.
Feedback
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