Students search the Internet for sources of illuminated manuscripts, then work to develop their own unique illuminated letters. Students view the architecture of the period by looking at cathedrals such as Notre Dame in Paris. When covering early prehistoric cultures, Hennessey has her students view cave art paintings and then draw their own. During the study of ancient Egypt and areas of the Middle East, students listen to music as they design sarcophogi and artifacts from King Tut's tomb. An established painter, Kramer has also taught for 15 years.
Science is like art.
It can take you places you never imagined. Immediately, she tries to have her fourth-grade students draw on all of their senses and methods of learning. One of Kramer's experiments requires kids to grow different types of plants, testing the pH level, discovering which plant fibers make the most durable paper, and finally making the paper. Students see that everything is a process. If you alter just one of the steps, you'll get different results.