The Peale family could be termed the "first family" of U.S. art. The patriarch, Charles Willson Peale, was an accomplished painter, scientist, inventor, founder of museums and art societies; his dynasty included his nine children and his younger brother, James Peale. This teaching guide discusses their diverse contributions to U.S. art and describes James Peale's best-known painting, "Fruit Still Life with Chinese Export Basket." The guide provides illustrations of 12 Peale paintings (6 by Rembrandt Peale) and suggests activities for elementary school, middle school, and high school. (BT)