{Stone Age; Paleolithic; Paleolithic Era; Cave Art; Cave Paintings} Cave paintings are one of the earliest known forms of art. On the walls of caves, early people represented ideas and concepts symbolically in the form of art. They chose images that were important to their clans. Now your students can: 1. Read about cave art and answer reflection questions. 2. Create their own cave art that symbolically represents their own families or clans. 3. Go on a Cave Exploration Tour (Gallery Walk) to view and record the art symbolism in other caves made by classmates. 4. Work in small groups to create "band" cave art after identifying commonalities among members and symbols to represent the commonalities. PLEASE NOTE that part of this resource is also included in my "Less Mess" Archaeology and the Stone Age Interactive Notebook Activities" as well! First, students brainstorm symbols by completing a rough draft sheet. On this sheet, they practice designing the symbols and identifying what they represent. This activity is great to tie into your lessons on symbolism as well. Then each student will receive his/her own cave (with a view to the inside) on which he/she can create the symbols in true cave art fashion. Enjoy thinking of other ways to use this cave art activity in your own classroom! You might also find these resources helpful: Cave Paintings: Compare and Contrast Video Activity Surviving the Stone Age: Note Taking/Poster Activity All About Me: My Life Artifacts