Lesson Plan for Year 8 - The Arts - Art History (Renaissance to modern)

### Lesson Plan: Art History (Renaissance to Modern) **Grade Level:** Year 8 **Subject:** The Arts **Duration:** 5 lessons (50 minutes each) **Unit Title:** Art History (Renaissance to Modern) --- #### **Lesson 1: Introduction to Renaissance Art** **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the historical context of the Renaissance. - Identify key characteristics of Renaissance art. - Recognize significant artists and artworks from the Renaissance period. **Materials:** - Slideshow presentation on Renaissance art. - Images of key artworks (e.g., Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," Michelangelo's "David"). - Handouts with key terms and concepts. - Art supplies (pencils, paper) for sketching. **Activities:** 1. **Introduction (10 min):** - Brief overview of the Renaissance (15th-16th centuries) and its significance in art history. - Discuss the cultural shift from medieval to Renaissance thinking. 2. **Slideshow and Discussion (20 min):** - Present key artworks and characteristics of Renaissance art (focus on realism, perspective, human anatomy). - Interactive discussion with students about what they observe in the artworks. 3. **Sketching Exercise (15 min):** - Students choose one Renaissance artwork to sketch. - Focus on practicing perspective and proportion. 4. **Closure (5 min):** - Share and discuss student sketches. - Assign reading on the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci for the next lesson. --- #### **Lesson 2: Baroque and Rococo** **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the transition from Renaissance to Baroque and later Rococo. - Identify key characteristics and differences between Baroque and Rococo art. - Recognize significant artists and artworks from these periods. **Materials:** - Slideshow presentation on Baroque and Rococo art. - Images of key artworks (e.g., Caravaggio's "The Calling of St Matthew", Fragonard's "The Swing"). - Handouts with key terms and concepts. - Art supplies (paint, brushes, paper). **Activities:** 1. **Review Renaissance (5 min):** - Quick review of key points from the previous lesson. 2. **Slideshow and Discussion (20 min):** - Present key features of Baroque art (dramatic use of light, emotional intensity). - Introduce Rococo art (ornamental, lighthearted). 3. **Comparative Analysis (15 min):** - Students work in pairs to compare and contrast Baroque and Rococo artworks. - Share observations with the class. 4. **Art Project (10 min):** - Begin an art project inspired by either Baroque or Rococo styles. - Plan sketches and concepts to continue in the next lesson. 5. **Closure (5 min):** - Summarize key differences between Baroque and Rococo. - Assign a short research task on a Baroque or Rococo artist. --- #### **Lesson 3: Neoclassicism and Romanticism** **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the principles and significance of Neoclassicism and Romanticism. - Identify key characteristics and differences between these art movements. - Recognize significant artists and artworks from these periods. **Materials:** - Slideshow presentation on Neoclassicism and Romanticism. - Images of key artworks (e.g., David's "Oath of the Horatii", Géricault's "Raft of the Medusa"). - Handouts with key terms and concepts. - Art supplies (pencils, paper for sketches). **Activities:** 1. **Review (5 min):** - Quick review of Baroque and Rococo characteristics. 2. **Slideshow and Discussion (20 min):** - Present key features of Neoclassicism (focus on classical ideals, symmetry). - Introduce Romanticism (emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism). 3. **Group Activity (15 min):** - Divide students into groups to analyze and present a key artwork from either Neoclassicism or Romanticism. - Encourage discussion on how each piece reflects its respective movement. 4. **Sketching Exercise (10 min):** - Quick sketch inspired by either Neoclassical or Romantic themes. 5. **Closure (5 min):** - Share and discuss sketches. - Assign reading on the influence of the Industrial Revolution on art. --- #### **Lesson 4: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism** **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the origins and key characteristics of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. - Recognize significant artists and artworks from these movements. - Explore the techniques used by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists. **Materials:** - Slideshow presentation on Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. - Images of key artworks (e.g., Monet's "Water Lilies," Van Gogh's "Starry Night"). - Art supplies (watercolors, canvas, brushes). **Activities:** 1. **Review (5 min):** - Quick review of Neoclassicism and Romanticism. 2. **Slideshow and Discussion (20 min):** - Present key features of Impressionism (light, color, brushstrokes). - Introduce Post-Impressionism (emphasis on personal expression, new techniques). 3. **Hands-On Art Project (20 min):** - Students create their own Impressionist or Post-Impressionist painting using watercolors. - Focus on techniques like broken color and visible brushstrokes. 4. **Closure (5 min):** - Display and discuss student artworks. - Assign a reflection piece on how their artwork fits into either movement. --- #### **Lesson 5: Modern Art (20th Century)** **Learning Objectives:** - Understand key developments in 20th-century modern art. - Identify significant movements (e.g., Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism). - Recognize influential modern artists and their works. **Materials:** - Slideshow presentation on modern art. - Images of key artworks (e.g., Picasso's "Guernica," Dali’s "The Persistence of Memory"). - Art supplies (various, depending on student projects). **Activities:** 1. **Review (5 min):** - Quick review of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. 2. **Slideshow and Discussion (20 min):** - Present major 20th-century movements and their characteristics. - Discuss the cultural and historical context influencing these movements. 3. **Exploration and Art Project (20 min):** - Students choose a modern art movement to explore through their own project. - Encourage creativity and experimentation with different materials and styles. 4. **Closure (5 min):** - Share and discuss final projects. - Reflect on the evolution of art from the Renaissance to modern times. --- **Assessment:** - Participation in discussions and activities. - Completion and quality of art projects. - Demonstration of understanding through sketches, presentations, and final projects. - Reflection pieces and assigned readings. **Extensions:** - Visit to a local art museum or virtual tour of famous art galleries. - Further research project on an artist or movement of choice. **Notes:** - Encourage students to express their interpretations and opinions. - Provide additional resources for further reading and exploration.