LACMA Digital Mobile Program

How to use Materials in this Digital Mini Course on Early World Cultures.

Step 1: Look Closely at Works of Art

Take a close look at objects in our collection. We have 3D modeled several objects in LACMA’s collection and made them publicly available for students and teachers. Move these objects around, zoom in, zoom out, and look closely at these 3D models. To facilitate close looking we encourage you to use our See - Wonder - Think and Visual Thinking Strategies routines when viewing and thinking about these objects. By looking closely at these objects and asking questions, the routine fosters inquiry-based learning, allowing students to make careful observations while encouraging curiosity and thoughtful interpretation.

To assist you in facilitating these routines, we have included several resources, as well as a See - Wonder - Think worksheet, where students can draw and write what they see, wonder, and think about a particular object.

Step 2: Learn More with our Educators

Now that you have looked closely at these objects, follow along with our educators as we discuss these objects. Our educators discuss these materials using the thinking routines See, Wonder, Think (SWT) and Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), while also providing some additional contextual information on the object that will allow students to make further hypotheses and foster critical thinking.

Step 3: Learn with our Conservators

Ever wonder how the museum cares for and protect these objects? Follow Object Conservators Jessica and Abby to learn how objects in our collection were likely made, how they were used, and how Conservators at LACMA use this information to protect these objects.

Step 4: Make Art with Us

Now that we have studied these objects, let us apply what we have learned through making art! In this art project, students will learn about making objects with Paper-mache. Get inspired by the many Maya vessels LACMA has in its collection to create your own vessel. This project encourages students to work through problems and to creatively use materials in their homes to make art.

Please check our Teachable page frequently. As we continue to develop our digital materials, we will include additional art projects for you to work with your students.

Historical and Social Sciences Analysis Skills:

Research, Evidence, and Point of View Historical Interpretation

California Common Core Standards Addressed

HSS 6.2 Students Analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush.*

HSS 6.2.5 Discuss the main features of Egyptian art and Architecture.

HSS 6.4 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of Ancient Greece.*

HSS 6.4.8 Describe the enduring contributions of important Greek figures in the arts and sciences.*

HSS 6.5 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the early civilizations of India.*

HSS 7.7 Students compare and contrast geographic, political, economic, religious, and social structures of the Mesoamerican and Andean civilizations.

HSS 7.7.4 Describe the artistic and oral traditions and architecture of the three civilizations.

HSS 7.7.1 Study the locations, landforms, and climates of Mexico, Central America, and South America and their effects on Maya, Aztec, and Incan economies, trade, and development of urban societies.*

HSS 7.7.5 Describe the Mesoamerican achievements in astronomy and mathematics, including the development of the calendar and the Mesoamerican knowledge of seasonal changes to the civilizations' agricultural systems.*

*Although the current materials shared do not address all of these standards, the full package of digital resources will.

Early World Cultures programs are made possible by a generous grant from the Max H. Gluck Foundation.