Westward Expansion Mural: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Thinking
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Benton, T. (1947). Achelous and Hercules. Smithsonian American Art Museum. 1985.2
Model Lesson
Understanding Goal
Perception is built by knowledge and experiences.
Investigative Question
How are humans interdependent with nature?
Introduction: Looking and Reflecting
1. Look closely at this mural.Mural from Smithsonian American Art Museum
• What do you see?• What’s happening here?• What questions do you have?
• Write down something that strikes you about this mural.
Introduction: Looking and Reflecting
Step 2: Reflect
• How do your answers reflect your own knowledge and experience?
Investigation: Choose an Exploration
Artist
1: Shape 2: Line 3: Color
Author
1: America 2: Paul Bunyon 3: Achelous the Beautiful and Hercules
Social Scientist
1: Logging 2: Sioux Indians 3: Millions of Acres
Scientist
1: Flood 2: Boulder Dam 3: Plantation
Share your Exploration
• Share your exploration and resource.
• Describe the new things that you saw in the mural after your exploration.
Formal Assessment:
• Discuss: What message could this mural express about human interdependence with nature? What makes you say that?
• Reflect: What questions do you have now?
• What did you learn about yourself through this activity?
Benton, T. (1947). Achelous and Hercules. Smithsonian American Art Museum. 1985.2
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