• Why is Identity important?

Identity is important because it is relevant to everyone. All people have an identity and it is important to express who we are as individuals. People can also have multiple identities, which are flexible and can change over time. Not only do we learn about ourselves through identity, but we also learn about others and how to value the differences of people. It is important to express who we are as individuals through artwork because it gives value to personal differences, individualism. Through self investigation, we also build character and an understanding of who we are.

• Significance of Identity in the world

Through learning about our own and others’ identities, we broaden our views of the world and different cultures. While learning about identity, we can see how society treats different groups of people, and hopefully change those views in a positive way. Through the discovery of differences in our identities we also learn to value the similarities across humanity. Artwork can expose us to new identities which we may not be exposed to in everyday life. The more we learn about different types of people and learn to value the beauty in our differences, the more we can become agents of change in our world.

• Significance of Identity to K-12 students and classmates

Identity has personal meaning to every student. Students can express themselves and who they are by adding this personal meaning to their artwork. Also, they can learn about their classmates which will teach the value of differences. Investigating the big idea of identity through art making will teach respect and acceptance. Therefore, such lessons about identity will counteract behaviors of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.