School Tours: Exploring Modern Art: Breaking the Rules
Grades 6–12
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
What is modern about modern art? Students investigate the ways artists "break the rules" when they depart from realistic representation, use innovative techniques, and engage the viewer as a partner in the creation of meaning.
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
- Exploring multiple viewpoints within the group
- Comparing and connecting different works of art
- Reasoning with evidence from the artworks themselves
- Developing new ideas about modern art
Group Size: Up to 60 students
Length: 75 minutes
Meeting Location: East Building, Entrance (inside)
Pre-Visit Materials
Museum policies
Student lunches
General information
What is object-based teaching and learning?
- NGAClassroom: Art since 1950 (printable learning resource)
- NGALoanfinder: Inquiring Eye: Exploring Modern Art: Breaking the Rules (teaching packet)