More Class Lessons for Multicultural Art Experiences 2000

Earliest Writing and Paper Summary: The Ancient Egyptians created a basis for an advanced society in Northern Africa. This lesson includes informative and creative ideas which will integrate art into the curriculum. Students will relate to previously learned concepts on the development of civilization, and move on to the components of culture. The influence of geography on the development of writing and papermaking will be addressed as the student participates in varied learning experiences including research into early Egyptian history, styles of recording information and papermaking. The lesson identifies parts of the curriculum best taught artistically. We will integrate research activities and arts vocabulary into lesson plans which will support all subject areas. Grade Level: 6 Curricular Area: Visual Arts Class Time Required: 5 weeks (Estimated)

Standards: Visual Arts Standards, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve Standard 1. Artistic Perception Processing, analyzing, and responding to sensory information through the language and skills unique to the arts Visual arts descriptor: Students learn how to perceive the world in an artistic way by refining their sensory perceptions of works of art, objects in nature, events, and the environment. They identify visual elements and principles of design using the language of the visual arts. Standard 2. Creative Expression Creating, performing, and participating in the arts Visual arts descriptor: Students develop knowledge of and artistic skills in a variety of visual arts media and technical processes. They apply the knowledge and skills and demonstrate the processes in creating original artworks based on personal experiences. Standard 3. Historical and Cultural Context Understanding historical contributions and cultural dimensions of the arts Visual arts descriptor: Students explore the role of the visual arts in human history and culture. They investigate universal themes and concepts in historical and contemporary periods and styles in cultures throughout the world. Standard 4. Aesthetic Valuing Responding to, analyzing, and making judgments about artworks Visual arts descriptor: Students analyze, interpret, and derive meaning from works of visual art. They make critical judgments about and deter-mine the quality of visual artworks and art experiences in accord with learned elements and principles of art. Standard 5. Connections, Relations, Applications Connecting and applying what is learned in each art form to learning in other art forms, subject areas, and careers Visual arts descriptor: Students apply what they learn in visual arts to learning across disciplines. They develop competencies in problem solving, communications skills, and management of time and resources, all of which contribute to lifelong learning and career skills.sensory information through the language and skills unique to art. Standard 2 | top | Learning and Teaching Activities: Students will study pictograph entitled "The Mountain of Light" to understand the important role that hieroglypics played in the development of writing. Egyptian art and style will be addressed, and discussion of aesthetic values will increase their appreciation and knowledge of the processes and techniques used to create these works. An internet review of the geography of the Nile River Valley will help students realize the importance of water needed to grow the materials used to produce paper. (Papyrus) Clay, another important element in writing, will be used to create stamps representing various trades of our modern society. The final project will connect the areas of technology and art. Simple papermaking will show students the process which can be used to create a material for writing. | top | Outcomes and Assessment: Students will assess their own work by the following methods: Self-assessment through the use of scoring guide which addresses final product of clay stamp object. Consideration of size and shape 1 2 3 4 5 Description of work representing trade in today's society 1 2 3 4 5 Adequate detail is noted 1 2 3 4 5 A score of 10 represents proficiency in the activity. Fact Finding Research Activity Scoring Guide: Student must achieve a score of 70% to be considered proficient Papermaking Activity: Student demonstrates attention to detail in following directions 1 2 3 4 5 Student completes five sentence paragraph using proper mechanics 1 2 3 4 5 Students show at least three transition words in writing assignment 1 2 3 4 5 Student completes self assessment form with regards to project 1 2 3 4 5 Student must achieve a score of 15 in order to be proficient in this area. | top | Materials Needed: computer and printer internet access handouts scrap paper found objects (rocks, grass, sticks) water and clay | top | Resources: Resource 1 Resource: Earliest Writing and Paper URL/Publisher: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/samegyptianvi.html How Used: Web Based Activity | top | Procedure Opening: Begin with review of culture and geography of the Nile River Valley. Introduction of importance of writing, plants used to make paper, and the process used. Discussion of the profession of scribe, followed by a brainstorm of the trades found in today's society. Studio activities: Stamp-making activity--Use of clay to create figures that represent the professions and trades in the 21st century. (See assessment) Research internet sites to complete "fact sheet." Create paper using recycled paper pieces. (See link.) Use final product for hieroglyph activity. (See link.) Development: Ongoing discussion of the value of writing. Transfer of concepts into today's society--How is paper made and used today? Closing: Discuss the possible uses of the finished paper product (jewelry, plates, etc) Discuss uses of recycled classroom paper. Discuss and rethink their work. Opportunities given for students to improve their work. | top | Ideas for extending the lesson: Painting pictographs using web site. | top |