Educator Resources

Educator Sneak Peeks

Educator Sneak Peeks are an opportunity for educators to view a temporary exhibition before it opens to the public. Curators or museum educators will be on hand to answer questions and provide additional information. Occasionally, special activities will be made available.

Upcoming Educator Sneak Peek
Tara Donovan: Untitled
April 8, 2010 – 5:00-8:00pm
The exhibition gallery will be open, a guest lecturer will speak about the conservation challenges presented by some kinds of contemporary artwork, IMA staff will demonstrate some hands-on activity ideas you can bring back to your classroom, and a catered reception will take place in the Fountain Room. You must RSVP to the Senior Coordinator of School Services no later than April 1, and we ask that only educators attend this event.

Educator's Guide to IMA Digital

Can't make it to the IMA in person? We have a variety of content available to you on the Web. There are many ways you can utilize this content in your classroom. Download this guide to digital content at the IMA to get started: Educator Guide to IMA Digital (doc)

IMA Online Activities

Lesson Plans

The following lesson plans explore the art of different cultures from around the world and within our collections. Use them to prepare your students for a visit to the Museum or as follow-up activities to a Museum visit.

Certification Renewal Credits (CRUs) The IMA offers CRUs to educators for select programs and events. To find out what programs and events are eligible check the online calendar. For more information contact the Senior Coordinator of Teacher and School Programs.

Viewfinders Click here to find out more about the Viewfinders program.

News & E-News

IMA Educator eNews: Creative Classroom

Distributed 4 times a year, the Creative Classroom e-newsletter brings information on new school tours, teacher workshops and resources, new collection acquisitions, and upcoming exhibitions and events straight to your email inbox. If you would like to receive Creative Classroom, subscribe here. (Be sure to check "Educator (K-12) Programs Creative Classroom".)

Field Trips: Schedule Now!
As spring is our busiest season for welcoming school groups into the museum, we recommend you book your field trip as soon as possible to ensure you get your first preference of dates. Requests are accepted via our online request form only.

Upcoming Exhibition - Tara Donovan: Untitled
This exhibition will highlight MacArthur Genius Award-winner Tara Donovan's layered landscape-like installations made from common everyday materials, such as plastic cups, tar paper, cut electrical cable, pencils and Elmer's glue. The exhibition will include a number of existing works along with new sculptures commissioned by the IMA. Educators are admitted free of charge when you show your school ID (admission for the general public is $8.00), and school groups are also free when a field trip is scheduled three weeks in advance.

Back by popular demand…the Educator Sneak Peek!
April 1, 2010 – 5:00-8:00pm
Due to such an overwhelmingly positive response to previous Sneak Peeks, we are again offering educators of all subject areas and grade levels to join us for an evening of insight, activities, and hors d’oeuvres. The Tara Donovan: Untitled exhibition gallery will be open, a guest lecturer will speak about the conservation challenges presented by some kinds of contemporary artwork, IMA staff will demonstrate some hands-on activity ideas you can bring back to your classroom, and a catered reception will take place in The Fountain Room. You must RSVP to the Senior Coordinator of School Services no later than April 1, and we ask that only educators attend this event.

Planet Indy Series: Felder Rushing
Teacher Workshop April 22 – 3:30-5:00pm
Public Lecture April 22 – 7:00pm
At this Planet Indy talk, on the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, offbeat garden guru Felder Rushing addresses “slow” gardening for cheapskates, alternatives to the oppressive lawn, and irreverent approaches to horticulture that are also more sustainable. Mr. Rushing will lead a special teacher workshop with a focus on school gardening from 3:30-5:00 on Thursday, April 20 at the Challenge Foundation Academy. Contact the Senior Coordinator of School Services to register (space is limited to 25 participants). A public lecture will also take place in The Toby that evening at 7:00. Educators and students receive a special discounted ticket price of $5; purchase tickets by calling 317-955-2339.

Plan Ahead for Summer Workshops
The IMA will be offering several professional development opportunities for educators over the summer months. Please contact the Senior Coordinator of School Services to register for these programs. CRUs and graduate credit (through IUPUI) will be an option for interested participants.

Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
This facilitated discussion technique uses works of art to stimulate student conversation that leads to growth in critical thinking, observation, vocabulary development, and other essential cognitive skills. Educators from all grade levels and subject areas are welcome to attend. Participants will receive the official VTS curriculum, discuss the research and theory behind VTS, and practice facilitating discussions with colleagues.
June 22-23, 9:00am-4:00pm OR
July 20-21, 9:00am-4:00pm
$150 registration fee includes materials

Visual Thinking Strategies (Year 2)
As students gain experience with art through VTS, they become ready for more complex and challenging images, which can lead to more in-depth discussions. If you want to continue using VTS in your classroom but want to challenge your students’ thinking, the Year 2 curriculum and questions will keep the pace with their development. This half-day workshop will briefly review the research behind the Year 2 questions and provide you with an opportunity to practice facilitating discussions using these advanced methods. Educators who have VTS experience or who have attended previous Year 1 trainings are encouraged to attend.
July 13, 9:00am-1:00pm OR
July 29, 9:00am-1:00pm
$100 registration fee includes materials

Art and Nature Park Opening in June
Grand Opening June 20 – 11:00am-5:00pm
Looking for a way to get some fresh air and enjoy art at the same time? 100 Acres, the Virginia E. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, will hold its grand opening on June 20 and will feature installations from eight contemporary artists throughout the grounds. More...

The IMA Receives Prestigious IMLS Award
The IMA recently was announced as one of ten winners of the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) National Medal. This honor was a result of the IMA’s strong commitment to community involvement through many of our initiatives, including Viewfinders, the Museum Apprentice Program, our www.ArtBabble.org website, steps taken to make a “greener IMA” and the diversity and innovation of the programming we offer to the public. More...

Stout Reference Library

The IMA's Stout Reference Library is a non-circulating research library that supports research needs regarding the interpretation and publication of works of art from the IMA collection, potential acquisitions and upcoming exhibitions, as well as the visual arts in general. The library's growing collection of approximately 100,000 volumes consists of: