Lesson Plan for Year 7 - The Arts - Art History (medieval to Renaissance)

## Lesson Plan: Art History (Medieval to Renaissance) ### Year Level: - Year 7 ### Subject: - The Arts ### Topic: - Art History: Medieval to Renaissance ### Duration: - 2 Weeks (5 sessions of 1 hour each) ### Objective: - Students will gain an understanding of the transition between medieval and Renaissance art, recognizing key characteristics, influential artists, and historical context. ### Materials Needed: - Projector/Smartboard - Computers/Tablets with internet access - Art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, etc.) - Visual aids (images of art pieces) - Handouts with reading material and questions - Rubrics for assessment --- ### Weekly Schedule: #### Week 1: **Session 1: Introduction to Medieval Art** 1. **Engagement (10 mins):** - Show images of famous medieval art pieces. - Ask students what they observe and think about the medieval art style. 2. **Introduction to Content (20 mins):** - Brief lecture on the characteristics of medieval art: religious themes, flat figures, lack of perspective. - Discuss the historical context of the Middle Ages. 3. **Group Activity (20 mins):** - Divide the class into small groups. - Each group analyzes a different piece of medieval art and presents their observations related to style, colors, themes, etc. 4. **Wrap-Up (10 mins):** - Summary and class discussion on common themes and characteristics. **Session 2: Influential Medieval Artists and Works** 1. **Review (5 mins):** - Quick recap of previous session. 2. **Content Introduction (20 mins):** - Introduce key artists like Giotto di Bondone and their contributions. - Show pictorial examples of their work. 3. **Individual Activity (25 mins):** - Have students choose a medieval artwork to research. - Write a short summary covering the artist, the piece, its significance, and their personal interpretation. 4. **Wrap-Up (10 mins):** - Share summaries with a peer. #### Week 2: **Session 3: Transition to the Renaissance** 1. **Engagement (10 mins):** - Show a comparative slideshow of medieval and Renaissance art. 2. **Content Introduction (20 mins):** - Discuss the changes from medieval to Renaissance art: realism, humanism, use of perspective. - Introduce key renaissance artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. 3. **Interactive Activity (20 mins):** - Define Renaissance art characteristics. - Create a chart comparing Medieval and Renaissance art traits. 4. **Wrap-Up (10 mins):** - Reflect on what these changes tell us about the broader cultural shift. **Session 4: Deep Dive into Renaissance Masters** 1. **Review (5 mins):** - Quick recap of changes in art styles and historical context. 2. **Content Introduction (20 mins):** - Feature important works and biographies of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. - Discuss specific techniques these artists used, like sfumato and fresco painting. 3. **Hands-On Activity (25 mins):** - Students try their hand at Renaissance techniques (e.g., sketching in perspective, basic fresco techniques). 4. **Wrap-Up (10 mins):** - Display and discuss student artwork. **Session 5: Synthesis and Creative Project** 1. **Review & Q&A (10 mins):** - Recap the key points discussed over the two weeks. - Address any student questions or confusion. 2. **Creative Project Introduction (10 mins):** - Brief students on a final project where they will create a piece of art inspired by either the medieval or Renaissance period, incorporating elements they have learned. 3. **Project Work (30 mins):** - Allow students to brainstorm and begin their projects. Encourage individual creativity and provide support as they work. 4. **Wrap-Up (10 mins):** - Outline the criteria for the final project assessment. - Remind students of the project deadline and presentation. ### Assessment: - Participation in class discussions and activities. - Group and individual analysis of artworks. - Final project presentation, evaluated based on creativity, adherence to art historical styles, and understanding of the period. - Peer and self-assessment to foster reflective practice. ### Follow-up: - Create a class gallery of the final projects. - Plan a field trip to a local museum (if possible) to see medieval and Renaissance artworks in person. ### Reflection: - Have students write a short reflection on what they learned and how their understanding of art and history evolved through the lessons. --- By covering both the theoretical and practical aspects, students will engage deeply with the subject matter, gaining a comprehensive understanding of art history from the medieval period to the Renaissance.