Activity Overview
Prehistoric cave paintings date from about 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, the oldest found is 44,000 years old! They were made on cave walls or ceilings with paint applied by finger, chewed sticks, or fur for brushes. These paintings may have served as storytelling, history recording or for rituals. They include animals and people and give scientists clues about how early humans lived and survived. In this activity, students will create their own cave painting. It's a fun way for students to understand the importance of these paintings. Students will have to consider what scientists of the future would learn about their lives from their cave painting. They can put characters, scenes, items, and animals that are important to them to give clues about their lives and values.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create your own cave painting! If scientists of the future saw a cave painting about your life many years from now, what would they find?
Student Instructions:
- Using the blank cave template, add appropriate scenes, characters, items and animals to create a cave painting about what is important to you. Imagine that it would give clues about your life to scientists in the future!
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Prehistoric cave paintings date from about 10,000 to 20,000 years ago, the oldest found is 44,000 years old! They were made on cave walls or ceilings with paint applied by finger, chewed sticks, or fur for brushes. These paintings may have served as storytelling, history recording or for rituals. They include animals and people and give scientists clues about how early humans lived and survived. In this activity, students will create their own cave painting. It's a fun way for students to understand the importance of these paintings. Students will have to consider what scientists of the future would learn about their lives from their cave painting. They can put characters, scenes, items, and animals that are important to them to give clues about their lives and values.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create your own cave painting! If scientists of the future saw a cave painting about your life many years from now, what would they find?
Student Instructions:
- Using the blank cave template, add appropriate scenes, characters, items and animals to create a cave painting about what is important to you. Imagine that it would give clues about your life to scientists in the future!
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about My Own Cave Painting
Engage students with a collaborative cave painting mural
Encourage collaboration by inviting students to work together on a large class mural. This helps foster teamwork and gives everyone a chance to share their story.
Divide mural space into sections for each student
Assign each student a section of butcher paper or board. This ensures everyone has personal space to depict what matters to them.
Guide students to brainstorm meaningful symbols
Have students list important people, animals, or objects from their lives. Encourage them to think about symbols that represent their values or experiences.
Demonstrate cave painting techniques using classroom materials
Show how to use items like fingers, sponges, or brushes to apply color. Model simple shapes and natural colors to mimic prehistoric art.
Facilitate mural sharing and discussion
Lead a class discussion where students explain their symbols and stories. This builds presentation skills and helps connect personal histories to ancient art.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Own Cave Painting
What is a cave painting and why did prehistoric people create them?
Cave paintings are ancient artworks made on cave walls or ceilings, often depicting animals, people, and daily life. Prehistoric people created them for storytelling, recording history, and possible ritual purposes, giving us insight into early human life and beliefs.
How can students make their own cave painting in the classroom?
Students can create their own cave painting by using a blank cave template and drawing scenes, characters, items, and animals that are important to them. They should imagine what clues these images would give future scientists about their lives and values.
What materials are best for a classroom cave painting activity?
For a classroom cave painting activity, use simple materials like paper templates, crayons, markers, colored pencils, or natural items (chalk, charcoal). Encourage students to use their fingers or homemade brushes for an authentic prehistoric feel.
Why is making a personal cave painting a valuable lesson for middle schoolers?
Creating a personal cave painting helps middle schoolers connect with history, understand early human expression, and reflect on what matters to them. It builds creativity, critical thinking, and empathy for people of the past.
What can students learn about early humans by studying and making cave paintings?
By studying and creating cave paintings, students learn how early humans communicated, recorded events, and expressed values. It reveals how art can share stories and cultural beliefs across time.
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