**Grade 6 Art Lesson Plan: Art History (20th Century)**
---
**Lesson Title:** Overview of 20th Century Art Movements
**Grade Level:** 6
**Subject:** Art/Art History
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Objectives:**
1. Students will develop an understanding of major art movements in the 20th century.
2. Students will identify key characteristics of different art styles.
3. Students will create a piece of artwork inspired by one of the 20th-century art movements.
**Materials:**
- Projector or Smartboard
- Computer with internet access
- PowerPoint presentation on 20th-century art movements
- Art supplies: paper, pencils, colored pencils, markers, paint, brushes, etc.
- Handout with brief descriptions of each art movement
**Standards Covered:**
- Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
- Analyzing, interpreting, and deriving meaning from works of art.
- Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
**Vocabulary:**
- Modernism
- Cubism
- Surrealism
- Abstract Expressionism
- Pop Art
- Futurism
- Dadaism
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. Begin the lesson with a brief discussion about what students already know about art history.
2. Introduce the topic of 20th-century art movements and explain that they will be exploring various styles and their influences.
**Instruction (20 minutes):**
1. Present a PowerPoint on major 20th-century art movements, covering key points such as:
- **Modernism**: A break from traditional forms.
- **Cubism**: Use of geometric shapes, pioneered by Picasso and Braque.
- **Surrealism**: Dream-like scenes and illogical juxtaposition, exemplified by Dali and Magritte.
- **Abstract Expressionism**: Emphasis on spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, with artists like Pollock and Rothko.
- **Pop Art**: Emphasis on popular culture and mass media, with artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein.
- **Futurism**: Focused on speed, technology, and modernity.
- **Dadaism**: Anti-war politics and the rejection of the prevailing standards in art.
**Guided Practice (15 minutes):**
1. Hand out worksheets with images and brief descriptions of works from each movement.
2. Discuss how certain elements (color, shape, composition) are used differently in each movement.
3. Ask students to identify the characteristics of each movement using the worksheet.
**Independent Practice (15 minutes):**
1. Allow students to choose one art movement that interested them the most.
2. Provide art supplies and ask them to create a piece of artwork inspired by the chosen movement. Encourage them to think about the characteristics and styles discussed.
**Closing (5 minutes):**
1. Ask students to share their artwork with the class, explaining which art movement inspired them and what elements they incorporated.
2. Provide a brief summary of the lesson and ask a few review questions to ensure understanding.
**Assessment:**
- Observation during class participation and discussion.
- Evaluation of completed worksheets.
- Assessment of the artwork based on creativity, understanding of the chosen art movement, and completion of the task.
**Differentiation:**
- For students who need more support, provide templates or step-by-step instructions for creating their final artwork.
- Advanced students can research an additional 20th-century art movement not covered in the PowerPoint and present their findings to the class.
**Homework:**
- Research a contemporary artist whose work is influenced by one of the 20th-century art movements and write a short paragraph on their style and influence.
**Extensions:**
- Visit a local art museum (virtually or in-person) to see real-life examples of 20th-century art.
- Host a classroom gallery walk to showcase and discuss students’ artwork inspired by the lesson.
---
This structured lesson plan aims to engage students with the diverse and rich history of 20th-century art while encouraging them to apply what they learn through hands-on artistic creation.