Subject: Art
Grade Level: Middle School
Estimated Time: 6 weeks
UNIT TITLE: Word on the Street
Enduring Idea or Theme: Communication
Unit Description:
Within this unit, students will analyze and discuss the work of artists who use their public art to convey messages, especially regarding social, political, and environmental issues. These discussions will guide students in the creation of their own work, communicating a chosen message. Students will display their finished work in a public location in the school.
National Core Art Standards:
VA:Cr1.2.8a Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art or design.
VA:Cr2.1.8a Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of art making or designing.
VA:Cr3.1.8a Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.
VA:Pr5.1.8a Collaboratively prepare and present selected theme-based artwork for display, and formulate exhibition narratives for the viewer.
VA:Re8.1.8a Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, art-making approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
VA:Cn11.1.8a Distinguish different ways art is used to represent, establish, reinforce and reflect group identity.
What broad, overarching understandings are desired of students?
As a result of this unit, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of:
What “essential” and unit questions will focus the discussions and activities of this unit?
Key Vocabulary or Concepts:
public art, commissioned art, juxtaposition, bas relief, collage, baren, block, brayer, carving tool, cutting board (bench hook), iron, linoleum print, printing paper, printing ink, relief, spray painting techniques, respirator, stencil, knife safety
Grade Level: Middle School
Estimated Time: 6 weeks
UNIT TITLE: Word on the Street
Enduring Idea or Theme: Communication
Unit Description:
Within this unit, students will analyze and discuss the work of artists who use their public art to convey messages, especially regarding social, political, and environmental issues. These discussions will guide students in the creation of their own work, communicating a chosen message. Students will display their finished work in a public location in the school.
National Core Art Standards:
VA:Cr1.2.8a Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art or design.
VA:Cr2.1.8a Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of art making or designing.
VA:Cr3.1.8a Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in progress.
VA:Pr5.1.8a Collaboratively prepare and present selected theme-based artwork for display, and formulate exhibition narratives for the viewer.
VA:Re8.1.8a Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, art-making approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
VA:Cn11.1.8a Distinguish different ways art is used to represent, establish, reinforce and reflect group identity.
What broad, overarching understandings are desired of students?
- Art is not always found/located in traditional settings.
- Artists can use their work to convey messages to viewers.
- Artists’ media choices affect how viewers perceive their work.
- How does the location of a work of art affect how people interpret it?
- How do artist choices convey messages?
- How do viewers interpret works of art in different ways?
As a result of this unit, students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of:
- How art can function as a form of communication.
- How to interpret and explain works of art that shed light on social, political, and environmental issues.
- How artist media choices can affect the work’s message.
- How to manipulate media in order to express their own chosen message.
- How location of a work of art can affect its message.
What “essential” and unit questions will focus the discussions and activities of this unit?
- Why is art displayed in public places valuable to us?
- Why would an artist choose controversial means to convey a message?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks to spontaneous or unsolicited public art?
Key Vocabulary or Concepts:
public art, commissioned art, juxtaposition, bas relief, collage, baren, block, brayer, carving tool, cutting board (bench hook), iron, linoleum print, printing paper, printing ink, relief, spray painting techniques, respirator, stencil, knife safety