Van Gogh Unit Study Resources

I feel it’s a perfect time for us to do a Van Gogh Unit Study. There’s a special Van Gogh exhibit coming to Columbia. That’s a definite field trip! As homeschoolers, we don’t just go on a field trip. We must also squeeze out every ounce of learning possible!

There’s an old joke about how a homeschooler changes a lightbulb. First, we have to go to the library to check out books about electricity and Thomas Edison. Then, go to the store and conduct a math lesson comparing prices of lightbulbs. You could also build your own ladder from branches you cut down out of the woods.

The point is: Changing a lightbulb is an opportunity to extend the learning. So, this Van Gogh exhibit is more than just a worthwhile field trip. It’s a learning opportunity that you can extend further.

Van Gogh Unit Study Resources

Let’s talk about some of the amazing resources we have available that you can use to extend the learning–on your own or with your homeschool group. This is a collection of resources and activity ideas for you to make your own Van Gogh Unit Study…not necessarily a step-by-step outline laid out for you.

Let’s put the field trip on the calendar. The exhibit will be at Columbia Museum of Art from October 4, 2019- January 12, 2020. You can order tickets to go individually or schedule a group. School groups can get free kids admissions and a discounted adult rate.

Start your Van Gogh studies with research in SC Discus. Discus is one of my favorite resources (as I have mentioned before–Discus is a great resource for homeschoolers). It’s free to all SC residents. All the information is peer-reviewed and reliable sources. Move over Google…we’re searching what’s in Discus!

You’ll find biographical information, images, audio clips, and videos from books, magazines, newspapers, journals, and encyclopedias. You can access it all from your home computer.

NOTE: There is a secret access code you might need to know so we can be sure you’re really an SC resident. Or your local library website platform has access with your library card.  If you need the resident password, email me and tell me what homeschool association you are registered with.

Credo Reference Mind Map Tool is a great resource to explore related topics you can explore.

Search the following Discus resources for Van Gogh:

• Credo Reference. This is a great place for you (the teacher) to start if you don’t know anything about the subject.
  • Choose the “mind-map” tool from the drop-down menu to see all the related sub-topics to explore.
  • Choose “image” search from the drop-down menu to find dozens of images of his work.
  • Choose “topic” search for an overview and to find more reference articles.
• Learn 360. This resource has several full-length videos and short clips about the subject. Sort the results by grade level. I found “A Stroke of Genius” video with a pdf file of discussion questions and extended activity ideas.
• Kids Info Bits. This resource has elementary school level information. Results are also sortable by reading level.
• Biography (in Context). This resource has an overview of the subject with a variety of newspaper and magazine articles, plus audio and video resources. Results include Lexile level and content level so you can find age-appropriate information. I found an NPR audio file about who really cut off Van Gogh’s Ear.
• NoveList K-8 Plus or NoveList Plus. Find book titles about the subject, reviews, and read-alikes. I found several great picture books and a DK Eyewitness book.
  • Use Advanced Search by subject for Van Gogh
  • Refine results by age, type or publishing date
  • Request books from your local library or purchase online.
• Smart Search Tool. This search engine searches across the databases available so you can see all the results in one search. Limit the results by date of publication, subject, reading levels, and types of publications.

Take some Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Field trips. Google Expeditions is a great educational technology resource. It’s a free app that you can use to explore more about Van Gogh.

• Augmented Reality (AR) brings some of the objects into your classroom or living room so you can view them up close.
• Virtual Reality (VR) takes you to the location so you can explore that place on your electronic device. You can also get a Google Cardboard to view it in 3D.

Take a look at what’s in Google Expeditions App for Van Gogh