Students create individual mosaics to decorate the classroom. They explore the elements of shape, texture, color, and pattern by identifying how the artist manipulated tesserae to create the mosaic.

Students examine the history of mosaics. They follow instructions to create their own pumpkin seed mosaic. They also bake some of the seeds to enjoy as a treat.

Students explore poetry. They examine metaphors. Students discuss and write examples of "figurative" and "literal" language. They read mosaic poetry. Students write a poem in mosaic format.

With this art activity, individuals or groups can use a wide variety of objects to create a collage of America. The example collage is made of garbage, and is intended to be a commentary on our problems with trash.