Downloadable Lesson plans
The New Children’s Museum offers lesson plans that give students the opportunity for self-expression while learning a new technique or skill. Our lesson plans are designed to be used in the classroom as part of a curriculum or to enhance a visit to the Museum.
Lesson Plans for Teens
Lesson plans designed for the Lindsay Community School are for high school students and originally part of our access programs to provide art kits and virtual art instruction in the community.
Blend watercolors to create a summer sky.
Use print-making techniques to create a poster with a message of self care.
Create an artwork out of yarn based on colors that represent your healing emotions.
Inspired by an Audre Lorde quote, use various mediums to create a visual representation of how you feel.
Create a self-portrait by cutting construction paper into facial contour lines.
Learn how to layer and blend colors that represent Chakras.
Utilize tape and watercolor paints to create artwork that symbolizes acts of resisting and intersecting.
Create a fall wreath made of paper hearts with the help of family and friends.
Create a collage of fall leaves with handwritten messages that represent the transition of seasons.
Design a postcard inspired by someone you know and write a handwritten note to them.
Explore freestyle art and design by drawing an illustration around your name.
Transform an autobiographical poem into a piece of artwork with chalk and other drawing materials.
Create your visual representation of the world, using lines, text and shapes. Watch the video tutorial here.
Lesson Plans for Ages 4+
Inspired by the Museum’s art installations and studio spaces, these lesson plans are for children 4 and up to experience in the classroom.
Build a miniature dwelling out of clay that teaches basic sculpting skills.
Design a collage with unique animals placed on landscapes made of found images.
Make spooky sculptures out of clay that teach basic sculpting skills.
Create and print stickers inspired by UFO sightings.
Create a collage landscape out of tissue paper that explores human interactions with the environment.
Make funny-faced pinch pots with limbs that depict silly and vibrant characters.
Paint an image representing a narrative, which are then tied together to create a collaborative quilt.
Troy’s Favorite Clay Hamburger
Make a tasty hamburger out of clay that teaches basic sculpting skills.
Enhanced DIY Blogs for virtual learning
Our enhanced DIY blogs provide step-by-step instructions and additional learning activities of art projects for children ages 4 and up. Designed to supplement virtual/distance learning at home, these blogs were originally created for the Museum’s pARTners in Creativity access program, in which we continue to send hundreds of learning art kits to partner community organizations. Learn more about our pARTners in Creativity program here.
Create a simple, no-sew tote for carrying stuffed friends using just scissors and a T-shirt.
Ring in the holiday season and explore engineering with this fun and simple pop-up card project.
Create a mini window mural exploring color and light inspired by Energized.
Create a collage on a cardboard printing plate, then make multiple prints of your design.
Use yarn to weave up a colorful cup for holding school supplies.
Create fun and unique designs on paper towels using food coloring and water.
Challenge kids to design a paper collage made up of cut pieces of paper.
Explore the magic of printmaking by layering colors using makers and Ziploc bags.
Discover your inner superhero with a simple, no-sew cape project!
Make delicious homemade ice cream from simple ingredients in a bag.
Use home items to put together a lightweight work of art and beginner kite.
Create an artistic guitar made from repurposed items found at home.