Learn about cave paintings and prehistoric art by observing images, thinking about materials, and explaining what early artists may have shown.
Read each problem carefully. Use complete sentences when you write your answers.
Exploring early art made by people long ago
Art History - Grade 2-3
- 1
Prehistoric artists often painted animals on cave walls. Name one animal that you might see in a cave painting and explain why it may have been important to people long ago.
- 2
Cave artists did not have crayons or markers. What natural materials could they have used to make paint?
- 3
Look at a pretend cave painting that shows three handprints. What might handprints in cave art tell us about the people who made them?
- 4
Circle the word that best describes many colors used in cave paintings: bright neon colors or earthy colors. Explain your choice.
- 5
A cave painting shows a group of animals running. What story might the artist have wanted to tell?
- 6
Why do you think many cave paintings were made on walls instead of paper?
- 7
Choose two words that describe cave paintings: old, modern, handmade, plastic. Write the two best words and explain why they fit.
- 8
Prehistoric artists sometimes used simple lines and shapes to show animals. Draw or describe how you could show a deer using only simple shapes.
- 9
What can cave paintings teach us about people who lived long ago?
- 10
Imagine you are making a cave painting for people to find far in the future. What would you paint to show something important about your life today?