School Tours: American Art
Grades 4–12
Please note: The Gallery is no longer taking School Tour requests for fall 2009. Please check back on December 1 to begin requesting School Tours for winter and spring 2010. You can still review information about tours and planning self-guided visits by clicking on the links below.
Logistical information | Additional Gallery Resources
How does art send messages about national identity? Explore works of American art and their historical and cultural connections.
Looking and Learning Skills
During four to six tour stops, 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
Group Size: Up to 45 students
Length: 60 minutes
Meeting Location: West Building, Rotunda, Main Floor
Pre-Visit Materials
Museum policies
Student lunches
General information
What is object-based teaching and learning?
- NGAClassroom: American Art (online interactive units; printable learning resources and guides)
- NGALoanfinder: American Art (free-of-charge for loan DVDs and teaching packets with reproductions)
- Online Tours: Exploring Themes in American Art (online tour)