The arts are a unique expression of human feelings, ideas and values, a reflection of culture and a record of society and history. The arts tell us who we are, where we have been and where we are going. In short, the arts can make history come alive!

The arts deal with more than dates and personalities. The arts can be realistic, abstract, emotional, political or didactic. The vivid depictions in visual art, the sensory stimulus of music, the poignancy and tension of drama, and the eloquence of dance can be powerful, thought-provoking tools for learning.

Through the art trunks curriculum units, we offer another dimension for students to study the significance of the Holocaust.

The Art Trunks are connected to the core curriculum, including the Sunshine State Standards and Grade Level Expectations. The content and methodology of the units includes a variety of teaching strategies that appeal to the different learning styles of students. Students will discuss, debate, write, research and produce works of art.

The units, which include all art forms, are primarily based on the Visual Arts. They are designed for general-classroom teachers and subject-area teachers. Our intent is to provide students an opportunity to interpret an artist's work, understand the social and historical context of an artist's life and time period, as well as to make connections to their own lives and learning.

The Elementary Arts Trunk focuses on themes of tolerance, diversity, democratic ideals, and universal experiences. Specific references to the Holocaust are not appropriate before Grade Five.

The Secondary Arts Trunk is organized chronologically and includes the arts before 1940, during the war, and post-war responses. In addition to featuring a wide variety of materials, the lessons pose important moral and ethical questions for students to consider. Available 2007-2008