Parents' Guide to

Smarthistory

By Conny Coon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Multimedia presentation makes art history come to life.

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Art history can be a somewhat static topic in a school setting, but Smarthistory brings it to life in a way only the Internet can. Its smart, searchable structure lets kids, parents, and educators choose a time period (ancient cultures, industrial revolution, baroque), style (Babylonian, cubism, dada), or artist (from Jean Arp to Frank Lloyd Wright) and discover the story and images related to each. The essays, videos, and images give a glimpse into the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of the time and work together wonderfully to explore how art describes history and history informs art. Links to additional sites lead visitors to museums, essays from professors, and similar artwork, all designed to provide relevant, supplemental information and aid learning. Although the language leans toward the college- or high school-aged student, younger kids could gain a good grasp of art history by browsing through the timeline and images.

Website Details

  • Subjects: Social Studies : cultural understanding, global awareness, history, Arts : painting, photography, sculpture
  • Skills: Communication : asking questions, listening, multiple forms of expression, Thinking & Reasoning : applying information, asking questions, thinking critically
  • Genre: Educational
  • Topics: History
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: September 11, 2018

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