Describing, learning about, discussing, and engaging in art criticism helps students build vital skills across curriculum areas. Supplementing history and social studies lessons with art images and ideas encourages critical thinking and analysis and broadens language and vocabulary. This can be especially helpful for students who are learning English. Introducing artwork and other primary sources that reflect a wide range of experiences helps students make meaningful connections between the material and their own lives.

This collection aligns itself with Common Core Standards and draws themes from the California Frameworks for History-Social Science for grades 6-8.