Smithsonian+American+Art+Museum

Smithsonian American Art Museum []

**Project Description**
This is a multi-disciplinary project designed to create an innovative and authentic learning opportunity for students. The project incorporates technology to promote 21st century skills including creativity, collaboration, problem solving, communication, and critical thinking. This project is designed for 8th grade English Language Arts students and also includes social studies and visual art components. The project could easily be adapted for students in other grade levels.


 * Theme**: African American Art and The Civil Rights Movement

Students worked in teams to study the Civil Rights Movement through works of art created by African American artists found in the collection of the [|Smithsonian American Art Museum]. Works were selected from the museum's online collection: http://americanart.si.edu.


 * 2011-2012 Project Wiki**: http://artspeaks.wikispaces.com/

Activities included:
 * digital scrapbooks created using the museum’s //MyCollection// tool
 * research using the museum’s website
 * video conference with Smithsonian American Art Museum
 * student-created visual art collages
 * student-created poetry and creative writing about the selected works from the museum's collection
 * podcast recordings of the students' creative writing and the works from the museum's collection

Ms. Carol Chaloux and Roosevelt Middle School Podcasters

**School/Teacher**
Roosevelt Middle School, [] Carol Chaloux carol.chaloux@jppss.k12.la.us Class wiki: []


 * Student Art, Inspired by Jacob Lawrence**
 * [[image:Picture1.jpg width="160" height="119"]] || [[image:Picture2_Rotated.jpg width="160" height="119"]] || [[image:Picture3_Rotated.jpg width="160" height="119"]] ||
 * [[image:Picture4_Rotated.jpg width="160" height="119"]] || [[image:Picture5_Rotated.jpg width="160" height="119"]] || [[image:Picture6.jpg width="160" height="119"]] ||
 * [[image:Picture7.jpg width="160" height="119"]] || [[image:Picture8.jpg width="160" height="119"]] || [[image:Picture9.jpg width="160" height="119"]] ||

**Student Podcasts**
8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * **Student Information** || **Artwork Information** || **Podcast mp3** ||
 * Shaneisa S

//Shaneisa's Poem...// A variety of breed, we all labor harshly All work hard for the mister Knowing that one day he will see right through us. He looks upon us with rage of anger. Picking cotton balls in fields, so sad — Ever looking upon the others’ mad Filled with fire. Don’t even care if I’m tired Just judging from the color of my skin Not caring how I feel within. This is my poem from the heart. This is where it began from the start. || Employment of Negroes in Agriculture, 1934 Earl Richardson

|| media type="file" key="Shaneisha.mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Jo-zee P

//Jo-zee's Poem...// It’s been a long journey though this forest of silence. Our feet ache, stomach growls, fingers throb — froze’ by the cold. We huddle together trying to keep warm winds blow, owls hoot, branches break and fall. I look up and notice the sun’s going down The sunlight begins to fade. A strong draft blows across my back, I tremble. My dad looks at me and says, “Alright son, let’s start a fire. Maybe that would make you warmer”. He walks into the trees — and disappears. I look and nod and walked over in the field I begin to pick-up scraps to keep the fire going I hear trees shake. I jumped and look And there’s my father rolling a big, brown barrel, over. I glance into the sky and then to my side And watch uncle Robby and my cousins gather around the barrel. Lit high with flames — I stare at my dad as he rubs his hand over the fire, and think to myself. This journey is almost over. It’ll be worth it; It’ll be worth it. || Can Fire in the Park, 1946 Beauford Delaney

|| media type="file" key="jozee_phelps.mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Sophia R

//Sophia's Poem...//

Loud Whisper

Father can you hear me, stars you grant? Linger through my head as the sky I view The whisper in the wind said never give up. I shan’t I will forever pray and hope for us two. She gives me all she can As a return I show no fear, But of this life I am not a fan I pray to a You that an end is near. Here I grip my doll Hoping that You will see our aches and sorrow. Praying my faith won’t fail — And that the light comes through the window tomorrow. I looked up to see the star as it shone — Felt the peace, then managed to say In my innocent soft tone || Untitled, 1950 Charles White

|| media type="file" key="SophiaR.mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Bianca V

//Bianca's Poem...// Before the Lincoln Memorial I take my place Loud and clear Don’t worry about race. I will not yell. I will not shout. That wouldn’t help My point get out. My powerful words Will fill you with sorrow Because my people Hope and pray — For a brighter tomorrow. Let us live freely As the white man does. You all treat us so terribly Just because…. Our pain and sadness Is what you don’t feel — And we don’t think That we’ll ever heal. Now as my speech Has ended, I hope your hearts Have truly mended. || Marian Anderson #1, circa 1939 William H. Johnson

|| media type="file" key="bianca.mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Yennifer G

//Yennifer's Poem...//

Look at Me Now:

Never did I know I was “gonna” make it this far. Never having the strength; Never having the will, Nor the support. I am now 26. That’s 26 years of pain. 26 years carrying the world on my head Without one complaint. 26 years of discrimination One too many and now it’s a creation. Back in the days, I was always the one — The one who was “gonna” have the belly. Walking around with a child on my hands. Yeah, I was the one. But look at me now, and look at me good. I made it through it all — Through the yelling, Through the assumes. I made it, and now it’s just amusing. Walking without any shoes, I have become stronger than ever. Life has done me wrong. It took from me and it gave back. It gave me perseverance and strength, Something my haters could never give. I don’t hate you. I respect you — Because all you put me through — just made me greater. I wake up every morning thanking you Because thanks to you I am now me, Elizabeth proud of what you made me So, for all you women Who people said, “You never gonna make it.” Look them in the eyes And tell them thank you. Do this for me and Forever will I live. || Blackberry Woman, modeled by 1930 and cast 1932 Richmond Bathe || media type="file" key="Yessica_blackbery_woman(3).mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Terrion N

//Terrion's Poem...//

Taking a Risk

No more will I leave it alone. No more will I have my heart stuck by a thorn. A rose that smells so sweet, but it’s my people who are constantly beat, torched, harassed like trash. My voice will no longer be washed out. I’m here to make a difference, and I will do just that. Far, far, far I will go Whether push or shove No more will people — black people be called nigger, trash, filth. Anything that hurts our souls, My children's children will hear. My story will be told. Now you tell me; what’s it going to be? Judge me by the color of my skin; break down my people within? You’re a Christian. I’m a Christian, but yet you’re beating me and my people down with your words and your looks. Now you tell me who’s been sinning.

No more will I let my skin be known as a mistake just because I’m a specific race. If dying before I’m twenty is what it takes? Then that will be a risk. I’m willing to make. || Marian Anderson #1, circa 1939 William H. Johnson

|| media type="file" key="Terrion_marian_anderson.mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Cindy T

Cindy's Poem... People gathering around a bond fire during the night The smoke rises high up to the sky Blurring the shine of the moon and stars Some arguing Some standing still Why are they there? Burning the sticks into ashes Can they set this right? Trying to make their way to equality — Not going to use violence Just standing there not knowing they are a mob Just you wait, they will get their freedom. || Evening Rendezvous, 1962 Norman Lewis

|| media type="file" key="Cindy T.mp3" width="240" height="20" || 8th Grade, English Language Arts Theodore Roosevelt Middle School, Jefferson Parish Public Schools, Louisiana
 * Brittany M

//Brittany's Poem...// Dying Without Leaving There she lies, they may not be open, but I see the serenity in her eyes. Her face pallid Colorless without a tone. She rest on her throne ― For one last time. She’s in the atmosphere now With the stars above. Make harmony, she lays with no anguish. She feels drained. There’s nothing left. All is the corpse The shell of her that held her core. She matured slowly. Onto her new existence with Father She looks upon us in bli || The Death of Cleopatra, carved 1876

Edmonia Lewis

|| media type="file" key="brittanym.mp3" width="240" height="20" ||

**Documents**

 * **Description** || **Document** ||
 * Lesson Plan || [[file:Roosevelt_LessonPlan2011.doc]] ||
 * Student Creative Writing and Visual Art || [[file:StudentWork.doc]] ||
 * Leona Tate Visit ppt Summary || [[file:tate.PPT]] ||
 * Video including Leona Tate's visit with Roosevelt students || [] ||
 * Student Visual Art Project || [[file:StudentArt.ppt]] ||
 * Chaloux's Blog || [] ||
 * Assessment Tools

Roosevelt Follow Up Flipchart - Promethean Flipchart Promethean software is required to open Flipchart files. The file entitled "RooseveltAssessment.ppt" is a PowerPoint version of the Flipchart file.

Roosevelt Assessment - ppt version of Promethean Flipchart

Community Partnership Student Surveys K-5 6-12 ||



http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QJYCQZR http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MGF8Q78 || [] ||
 * Object List - works from Smithsonian American Art Collection || [[file:JPPS Object list.doc]] ||
 * Online Resource Suggestions for Objects || [[file:Online Resources for Suggested Objects.doc]] ||
 * myCollection Instructions || [[file:myCollection instructions.doc]] ||
 * Student Podcast Guidelines || [[file:Student Podcast Guidelines.doc]] ||
 * Jacob Lawrence Materials || [[file:JPPS Suggested Objects for Artist Jacob Lawrence.doc]]
 * Smithsonian American Art Museum Overview || [[file:Smithsonian American Art Museum Intro.ppt]] ||

New Orleans Civil Rights Movement
On January 21, 2011, Mr. Turry Flucker, Project Director, Louisiana Center for Civil Rights and Social Justice, Louisiana State Museum, and Ms. Leona Tate, one of the first four African American children to integrate Louisiana Schools in 1960, visited Roosevelt Middle School to discuss the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans.


 * [[image:r2.jpg width="240" height="165"]] || [[image:r9.jpg width="240" height="165"]] || [[image:r11.jpg width="240" height="165"]] ||

**More photos**: []
JPPSS Video about Celebrating Black History Month, including interview with Leona Tate

media type="custom" key="8988746"

More information about the Civil Rights Movement in New Orleans:
 * []
 * http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2010/11/the_mcdonogh_3_help_unveil_his.html
 * http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2010/11/it_was_the_children_who_led_us.html

Dates/Milestones
Time frame: January 2011 - April 2011
 * **Date** || **Description** || **Who** ||
 * November || Meet to plan project, timeline and schedule video conference || All ||
 * ~11/15 || Select works of art from Smithsonian Art online collection || Carol ||
 * ongoing || Determine scope of Civil Rights study - will include local history || Carol ||
 * by 11/15 || Introduction of project and goals to students - Liz and Molly via phone if possible || All ||
 * 1/26 11:00 || Smithsonian American Art Museum video conference about how to look at art || All ||
 * Jan-Feb || Student research about the works of art in the collection, and about the Civil Rights Movement || Students ||
 * || Students create digital scrapbook using images from the collection and their research - Liz and Molly will send lesson ||  ||
 * Jan 21 || Turry Flucker and Leona Tate talk about the Civil Rights Movement ||  ||
 * TBD || Students learn about how to create an effective podcast, podcast workshop ||  ||
 * Early Feb || Visual arts project || Carol, Sharon, Sarah ||
 * Early Feb || Students write poetry and podcast scripts || Students ||
 * Mid Feb || Podcast 1st pass scrpits review by Roosevelt teachers ||  ||
 * 2/14 || Podcast scripts review by museum staff - one week || Liz, Molly ||
 * || Students edit podcast scripts and record podcasts || Students ||
 * || Podcasts reviewed by museum staff || Liz, Molly ||
 * 3/18 || Final podcast recordings || Sharon, Sarah ||
 * 4/4 || Podcasts posted on museum's website || Liz, Molly ||
 * 5/5 || Finalize lesson plan, wiki, other materials || Carol, Sharon, Sarah ||
 * 5/12 || Final conf call 1:00CST/2:00EST || All ||

Project Deliverables

 * digital scrapbook
 * student-created podcasts
 * visual arts project
 * high level lesson plan for others to use for future projects

Team Contacts

 * **Name** || **Contact Information** ||
 * Carol Chaloux, ELA, Roosevelt Middle School || carol.chaloux@jppss.k12.la.us ||
 * Elizabeth K. Eder, Assistant Chair, National Education Partnerships, Smithsonian American Art || ederek@si.edu ||
 * Molly Sinclair, Education Specialist, National Education Partnerships, Smithsonian American Art || sinclairm@si.edu ||
 * Sharon Moser, Technology Specialist JPPSS || sharon.moser@jppss.k12.la.us ||
 * Betsy Almerico, TIS Manager JPPSS || marybeth.almerico@jppss.k12.la.us ||
 * Sarah Rosedahl, Technology Consultant || srosedahl@yahoo.com ||