Cornerstone Resources

We offer all the resources you need for a robust middle school art program starting in grade 5.

Explore a selection of unit plan and project overviews below.

Art of the Aztec World

In this unit, 5th graders will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about Aztec art and culture. Students will learn about the Aztecs’ use of line and color in glyphs, pottery and carving and make connections between ancient and modern practices.

Lenape Art

Students will learn about the art and culture of the original inhabitants of New York City, the Lenape. Students will learn how color can convey the mood of a piece. They will practice bead work, and explore the purpose and meaning of the decorative arts used in Lenape culture and cultures across the world.

Protest Art

Students will learn about the history and uses of protest art. They will explore Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles of non-violence and how they can be applied to protest art. Students will learn to combine images, text and various media to maximize the impact of their work.

Art of the Renaissance

Students will learn about the world of the Italian Renaissance, including the many innovative artistic techniques of the time. Students will explore value and shading, and learn to draw using one point perspective.

Norse Art

Students will learn about the elements of visual culture through an exploration of ancient Norse art. They will learn to draw knotwork and create watercolor paintings that explore the important elements of their own lives and culture.

Black History Month

Students will explore the use of pattern and textiles in the work of important, black artists. They will experiment with printmaking, textile design and collage, and learn about color and repetition.