“Art should be interesting every time you look at it.”
Ask an art teacher for a good resource of art images, or visit http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/ for online images. Select a painting for the focus of this activity. (We like artists Rousseau, Seaurat, or others in the “Real Life” section on the Getty website.)

First, as a group, look at the artwork for one minute. Then cover the image and have students record what they remember. Write down answers to the following:

• How would you describe the people?
• What was going on?
• What colors are used?
• What is the mood the artist is trying to convey?

For the second part of the exercise, use the same image, or, if you prefer, have students work in pairs with a painting of their choice. Record one new observation per day. Review your findings along the way. Do you like it more or less? Write and send a response that includes the title of the artwork, your observations, and how your view of the painting changed over the week.

If students do not have pentominoes yet, click on Pentominoes [PDF] to print a set. Make a copy for each student so that each has his/her own set.

Discuss the concepts of symmetry- both line and rotational.
Which have line symmetry? (Hint: There are six.) Find out by folding the pentomino in half and comparing the two parts.

Which have rotational symmetry? (Hint: There are three.) Find out by rotating the pentomino 180 degrees.

Now, create a symmetrical stained glass design as Frank Lloyd Wright did for the Robie House. Use the grid sheet from the Scholastic pentomino set, or another grid if you prefer. Draw a vertical dotted line through the center. Make copies for the students. Have them line up a pentomino against the center and then “flip” it over the line to create a mirror image. Continue with several others to create a glass design. Finish by adding color with markers or crayons. Scan and upload a student’s stained glass design. Or, send it to us by mail.

In this reading, you’re introduced to Fibonacci numbers. What are they and what is the sequence? Create a six line Fibonacci poem about The Wright 3 story that uses the progression 1-1-2-3-5-8. Send us 2 poems. You can even post your poems on http://gottabook.blogspot.com/  (see “The Fibs” in the righthand sidebar), a blog from a guy into “Fib” poetry!

Here’s an example of Fib poetry:

• The
• more
• you do
• the quicker
• the poems will come.
• Before you know it three are done.

TheManIs hereOr is heNoticing us nowHe will get you and your own life. ArtIsSomethingShapes your lifeIt is beautifulUnique buildings can be art too.