This is a lesson that brings research skills and art together in a meaningful way. In an  introductory art course for students outside China, we introduce some simple knowledge about  Peking Opera Mask which is widely used among Opera actors. This lesson can be used in the school library media center  where students can locate information about the history of the mask and use that information to create their own mask.

• Students interest in Peking Opera Mask is stimulated.
• Students locate information about the history of the Peking Opera Mask in the library and on the Web.
• Students can use the information they find to create their own mask.

Pictures, Powerpoint (included in this lesson plan), actual mask, and special clothes

Library Media Specialist/ Art Teacher: To prepare for this lesson, you must acquire some background knowledge about Peking Opera Mask. Here is one Web site that provides some useful information about the origins of the mask to get you started: http://www.china.org.cn/english/culture/78486.htm

• Give a brief introductory presentation about Peking Opera Mask (see pictures in Powerpoint)
  
• Have students locate information about the history of the mask using the library resources and the Web. Provide guidance in search strategies, as needed. 
• Tell students to use the information they have found to create their own masks.
• Have students tell the story of their masks.
  

1. Do students successfully locate information about the mask?
2. Can students use the information they found to create their own masks?
3. Do students seem interested and motivated to learn more?

Wang Lu Yao