What inspires art making? What choices do artists make? How do artists create connections to the larger global community? Can looking at art change the way you perceive the world?

These questions and others are addressed as students explore a variety of art forms, materials and techniques used by artists as a means for creative expression. Guided through a multidisciplinary approach, students sharpen their visual perception and critical thinking skills while experiencing art through a variety of perspectives. Focused on building 21st-century skills and exploring contemporary art on view in the museum, the tour features changing exhibitions and favorites from the PEM collection.

This tour includes selected works from various areas of the museum.

Time: One hour | 45 students maximum

Related Standards
This tour aligns with or supports the following standards:

Common Core State Standards for ELA- Literacy
Reading (R): Anchor Standards 1, 2, 4, 6, 7
Speaking and Listening (SL): Anchor Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Language (L): Anchor Standard 6

National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts Anchor Standards 7, 8, 10, 11

Come see mammals, reptiles, sealife, amphibians, insects and more through the eyes of artists. Discover representations of animals from different cultures and in various artistic media. Students build valuable observation skills while learning about animal characteristics through stories and art. After the tour, students create collaborative artwork based on their experience with specific objects. In the process of discovery, students employ cooperative learning in natural science and art-based concepts.

This tour includes selected works from various areas of the museum.

Time: One hour | 60 students maximum

Related Standards
This tour aligns with or supports the following standards:

Common Core ELA- Literacy
Reading (R): Anchor Standards 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9
Speaking and Listening (SL): Anchor Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Language (L): Anchor Standard 6

National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts Anchor Standards 7, 8, 10, 11

Massachusetts Visual Arts Standards
Grades K–2 Standards 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1

Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Standards
Grades K–2 Standards 2, 4