As a component of our Scaffold Up! collective impact model, Groundswell has created a series of educational curricula about several of our recent murals. These curricula were made in collaboration with community partners invested in using public art as a tool for social change and education.
 
Using National Arts Content Standards and New York State Learning Standards in the Arts, these curricula offer the chance to engage youth in the arts. Each curriculum is comprised of a one- to two- session lesson plan that includes: resources; an icebreaker; introductory, hands-on and culminating activities; and a compilation of mural photographs and details.
 
We are particularly excited to share that PBS LearningMedia has created lesson plans for our Summer Leadership Institute 2015 Voices Her'd and Making History murals. This contribution expands the impact of Groundswell's murals through a rich, visual-based education to educators across the country. These education curricula accompany videos highlighting the youth artists' experiences creating these two monumental murals.  
 
Below is a compilation of .pdf files available for download, organized by suggested audience. 
 
 
 
WNET PBS LEARNING
 

• I Just Want To Come Home: On the complex relationship between police and young men of color.

• Respect is the Strongest Compliment: On gendered-based violence and ending street harassment.

 
 
2015 MURALS
 
 
3rd to 5th Grade
 

• Local Heroes: On the impact of leadership locally, nationally, and internationally.

• The Power of Flourishing Minds: On the sixteen Habits of the Mind, taught through engaging nature imagery.

 
 
6th to 8th Grade
 

• Domino Effect: On anti-bullying and what safety education means to students.

• The Wonderful Journey of Learning: On strengthening students’ perspective on how they view education.

• Unlock Your Dreams: On understanding what it means to “Be Yourself.”

 
 
9th to 12th Grade
 

• Assembling the Future: On understanding how the entire community contributes to an individual’s success. The students will also have the opportunity to express gratitude for people in their community.

• Born and Raised: On local history and community-driven environmental efforts to clean the Gowanus Canal.

• “House of Knowledge,” “Boat of Success,” and “The Flow of Knowledge” banners: On watershed stewardship.

• Jaguar’s Quest: On indigenous American imagery and reflecting on overcoming struggles.

• Our American Narrative Continues: On gaining perspective on students’ own family’s ancestral roots.

• The Beauty of Balance: On understanding justice and liberty.

• The Crossroads / La Encrucijada: On the importance of ending DWIs.

• The Freedom Within: On acknowledging the skills students have that will help them achieve their potential.

• The Sea of Transformation: On reflecting on students’ own personal growth through challenges.

• The Women of Brownsville: Telling Our Story: On the role visual media can play in shaping our perceptions of individuals within a community.

 
 
Adults in Recovery
 

• My Sister’s Keeper: On reflecting on areas of growth and personal development.

 
2016 MURALS
 
 
9th to 12th Grade

• Love is the Main Ingredient / Amor es el Ingrediente Principal: On how youth can be empowered through positive reinforcement.