More Class Lessons for Photoshop and Digital Imaging Techniques 2000

THE GREAT GATSBY Initial Project Summary: To better grasp the theme of a piece of literature, it is often essential for the reader to be familiar with the historical context from which it arose. THE GREAT GATSBY is such a novel. Without an understanding of that particular moment in America's history, much of the nuance of the novel is lost to the reader. In this lesson, students explore the 1920's and reflect on the possible relevance of historical events to the novel. Grade Level: 11 Curricular Area: Language Arts Class Time Required: 1 week (Estimated)

Learning and Teaching Activities: Students will examine the historical context within which THE GREAT GATSBY was written. They will research cultural and historical events that influenced Fitzgerald's writing, and collect artifacts (images, text, etc.). Culminating activity will be a PhotoShop presentation which combines artifacts representative of the period, with a written text, created in Microsoft Word, defining each element of the collage, including its relevance. (see vidafinal.psd) | top | Outcomes and Assessment: Students will demonstrate familiarity with research tools, including the Internet, and with PhotoShop basics, and will exhibit proficiency in writing non-fiction, expository texts. Teacher will develop a rubric that includes: 1. number of artifacts/items to be included in the collage/product 2. design elements which must be present 3. structure and style of written text 4. overall quality of work 5. annotated bibliography of sources | top | Materials Needed: Teacher will need a projector to provide sample product. Handout with lesson criteria should be made available to all students. Teacher should also post lesson so that students can access it at any time, from any location. Student materials: Internet access, library (encyclopedias, etc.), Adobe Photoshop, scanner, Zip disk, Microsoft Word | top | Procedure Opening: Whole Class Discussion of the Roaring 20's, including politics, economics, entertainment, civil rights, etc. If possible, display posters, play music to "set the mood" of the times. Discuss novels which characterize the era from which they were written. Ask for examples (HUCKLEBERRY FINN, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, FAREWELL TO MANZANAR, THE GRAPES OF WRATH, anything by Charles Dickens, etc.) Development: Students will work in pairs to gather elements for a PhotoShop collage. The source for each item is to be included in a bibliography, written according to the MLA stylebook. Each item will be accompanied by a written piece (created in Microsoft Word), which will explain its relevance to the project. Closing: Completed PhotoShop projects will be displayed on computers, set in small kiosks around the room. Each student will evaluate no less than three of the projects, according to predetermined criteria. Evaluations will be turned in to teacher. An incentive could be offered for the student whose project receives the most positive evaluations. | top |