In this lesson on creativity, children are exposed to different forms of the arts from different cultures around the world. They are given to opportunity to compare and contrast different styles as they create their own versions of cultural arts. Students also use maps and globes to locate the geographical areas discussed throughout the lesson. Children should be encouraged to use their own imagination as they create their own versions of the different art forms explored.

Before the lesson: Ask the students, "How many different kinds of art can you think of?, What kind of art do you like to create? Do you like to sing or dance? Are singers and dancers using creativity? Do you think art looks the same all over the world?"

"What is Creativity in Art?"
The lesson begins by asking students the question, "what is art?" Students may discuss what they explored in Creativity #1, or talk about coloring. This lesson will demonstrate to students that art goes far beyond coloring or painting pictures.

"Atlas"
A cartoon character named Atlas is introduced in this lesson. The word 'atlas' is introduced and may be a new word for most children. As described in the lesson, talk about the atlas as a series of maps of the world. Use a globe and classroom world map to compare. Talk about how an atlas might be a useful tool. Atlas (the character) then explains to students that he uses his atlas to find locations around the world where art can be observed.

"Totem Poles"
The first stop on the imaginary travels to observe art will be in North America, specifically on the map as western Canada. Locate the region on a globe, if possible, as well as the map on the Learning Station. Totem poles are introduced through the pictures and dialog as an indigenous art form. Different animals are also introduced as the inspiration for the art. Encourage the students to talk about what they think the artists may have been trying to convey in their carvings.

"The Totem Pole Game"
Touch-screen activity - Students must use their reasoning skills as well as imagination to decide what creatures are represented by the totem pole images. This game is in puzzle-form, so students must evaluate the shapes to determine how the pole should be stacked. Encourage the students to listen to the questions posed by the dialog. As the student chooses a figure, he/she should describe what it represents and tell something interesting about the figure. Encourage the students to explain what emotion or expression the animal is conveying, if any. A sample description of a wolf singing is presented. Encourage students to use their imagination and creative thought. A reset button is provided to allow the pole to be built as many times as desired. Use the toolbar to advance the lesson.

"Make Your Own Totem Pole"
Hands-on activity - Provide stackable items for students, as teams, to build totem poles. Empty milk cartons, oatmeal containers or other cylinder shaped objects that stack easily work well. Sample images to decorate the totem poles are provided on your disk. These can be colored and cut out to be glued, or simply used as samples for students to use as they create their own images. Encourage the children to work as teams as they decide what they want their totem poles to 'say'.

"Masks"
As the program continues, Atlas' travels take him and the students to another world location to learn about masks. Locate the continent of Africa on a globe or map. Talk about the distance that was traveled to go from Canada to Africa. You may also want to compare the distance from your class location. Alaskan and African masks are shown for students to compare and contrast. Encourage students to use full sentences and as much descriptive vocabulary as possible. The word 'inspiration' is reinforced by the narration.

"Masks Matching Game"
Touch-screen activity - Different animals and mask are presented on the Learning Station. Students must match the animal icon to the corresponding mask image. Talk about the artists' inspiration and why he or she made the mask look the way it does. Talk about what materials might have been used to create the masks.

"Make Your Own Mask"
Hands-on activity - This is another opportunity for students to work together as team members as they decide how to make a large African mask. Provide large poster paper or cardboard for teams to create a mask large enough to create a dramatic display in the classroom. Provide a variety of colorful and interesting materials to attach to the masks, particularly natural objects, such as dried grasses, shells, sticks, leather scraps, etc. Talk about how found materials are often used in this art form.
Optional - if time and materials allow, use papier mache to create the masks. These can be created as a team, or individually. If each student creates his/her own mask, assigning a different tribe designation to each team would still encourage teamwork.

"Beethoven"
Music is the next art form explored as Atlas travels to Austria, Europe. Locate this small country on the globe, while discussing the difference in the sizes of the continents. As the narration describes Beethoven's love for music, despite his deafness, students are shown that music can be felt as well as heard. Talk about the importance of using the difference senses to appreciate the arts.

"Sound Experiment"
Hands-on activity - This activity demonstrates Beethoven's experimentation with music and the vibrations it creates. Provide a radio large enough to create a vibration when the volume is turned up loud. If the radio has speakers, students can easily feel the vibration. The vibration can also be felt on the table or floor. Talk about how difficult this must have been for Beethoven to appreciate music. Encourage students to talk about different kinds of music they enjoy.

"How The Piano Sounds"
Touch-screen activity - A piano keyboard on the Learning Station will play a version of a song by Mozart which we now know as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star". Students can then create their own music on the Learning Station by accessing different instrument sounds. A variety of instruments are shown as icons. Each instrument will play its own musical notes. As each instrument icon is chosen, the piano keyboard is shown and students can play the different keys of the piano while hearing the notes of the instrument that was chosen. The teacher should encourage the students to talk about the different sound different instruments make, even though the notes on the piano are being used. Students can then 'compose' their own tunes using the instrument of their choice. A reset button is provided to change instrument choices. Use the toolbar to advance the program.

"Panamanian Music"
Music leads to dance as Atlas' travels lead students to Panama. Locate Panama on your class atlas and/or map. A short video clip of Panamanian dance is shown.

"Dancing"
Activity - Music as the inspiration to express oneself creatively is presented. Talk about the different types of music students prefer and how it makes them feel. The music is again played while students are encouraged to dance however the music inspired them. Optional activity - provide a tape of different musical styles for students to compare. Talk about what mood or emotion the artist might be trying to convey. Talk about how everyone's interpretation of music is as unique and individual as they are.

"Costumes"
Costumes as another creative art form are presented and described. Teachers may want to provide pictures or examples of the cultural costumes of your own region. Talk about what aspects of the costume may represent. Encourage students to talk about something they might wear to express their own creativity.

"Henri Matisse"
The last stop on Atlas' global journey takes the students to France to examine the art of Henri Matisse. Talk about how Matisse used color to express his creativity in his art. Encourage students to discuss whether they think this abstract form is art, what it conveys and whether it is liked or not.

"Create Your Own Work of Art"
Hands-on activity - After seeing the simplicity of Matisse's abstract snail, students are encouraged to create their own collage using torn paper. Provide brightly colored paper and encourage students to think about how they want to express their own creativity. Will they use many colors or just one? Are they creating a feeling or an object or creature? Encourage the students to talk about their creations. Remind students that art can be very complicated or very simple.

"The Map Game"
Touchscreen and videotaping activity - The world map is again shown on the Learning Station. Icons representing the different art styles explored are shown. Students are to choose the icon that represents an art form they liked OR did NOT like. As they move the icon to the correct country, students create a sentence explaining what it is and why they did or did not like that art form. Encourage the students to create full sentences and express his/her own opinion. Remind the students that their opinions about art are their own and are valuable. Videotape their presentations. A reset button will return the icons for the next student.

"Before You Go Home"
A handout of the map is provided on your disk, similar to the one used on the Learning Station throughout the lesson. The icons representing the different art are also shown. Students are instructed to draw a line from each icon to the country where it was located. As a review, encourage students to talk about the different art forms represented. Encourage them to describe their maps and artistic creations to their family.

Supply List for Activities
Paper, glue, markers, etc. to make totem poles as teams - large #10 cans, milk cartons, oatmeal boxes - anything stackable and cylinder-shaped
Markers, glue
Handout of traditional shapes of Northwest Indian art to color and glue to totems, if desired (on disk)
Radio to feel vibration of loud music
Handout of world map (on disk) with icons of art forms to match with location
Large poster board and paper, etc. - supplies to make LARGE African masks as tams - straw, sticks, shells and other natural objects, colored paper (torn or cut in strips), glue, yarn, etc.
Brightly colored paper to tear and create collages, glue
"Today I Discovered" - parents handout
video tape