"The term "wire art" makes me twinge. Granted, working with wire is an art. But the term feels dumbed down. Perhaps some teachers don't think younger students can handle the word "sculpture"? Hogwash! If you've been calling it "wire art", please respect the medium and start addressing it by its proper name, wire sculpture". --Elizabeth Berrien
Wire sculpture is a great hands-on activity for studnet's of all ages. By modifiying the assignment it can be used in the younger grades as will. On this page you will find some great lesson plans, artists, videos, and other ideas all related to wire sculpture.
The most important thing, no matter the age, is to be aware of all safty precausions. Below are some tips to keep in mind before getting your class started!

Safety glasses are a good idea, but they're not 100% effective. A long, loose end of rogue wire can still whip around and through the ventilation holes in the side of the glasses. This is why I recommend students work with foot-long, pipe-cleaner lengths of wire. So cut it small, about 12-inch lengths - Or start with pipe cleaners. THIS IS A SAFETY MEASURE. I worry about the long length of those store-boughten "twisties" - an impulsive or excited kid whipping on of those around might accidently put out someone's eye. Especially at the beginning, students working with wire should be supervised closely to ensure that they handle it safely and with respect. Any student that waves a wire about should be gently shown the correct way to control it. Once students develop a reliable proximity sense and control of the wire, you may consider gradually increasing the lengths they work with. But be careful out there... even after decades working wire, I still have occasional scary scrapes and pokes with overly excessive lengths of wire. Long-term wire sculptors sometimes experience carpal tunnel inflammations from repeatedly handling wire in the same motion. If one of your students gets totally immersed in wire sculpture, be sure they and their parents are aware of carpal tunnel issues. If your wire sculpture class lasts longer than an hour, have the kids take breaks to massage and stretch their hands, wiggle their fingers, or do other hand exercises to keep their carpals healthy.

Elizabeth Berrien is a very talented wire -sculpture artist, who has a web-site dedicated to teachers. On her website you will find lesson plans, safety tips, techniques, and much more.
For those teachers who need advice and do not know where to start, I encourage you to check out Elizabeth's blog. In her blog you will find advice, suggestions, and support for anyone who is willing to give wire-sculpture a try!