**Lesson Plan for Art: Year 6**
**Topic: Art History (Modern and Contemporary)**
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**Objective:**
Students will explore key artists and art movements in modern and contemporary art, understand the characteristics and significance of these movements, and create their own art inspired by this period.
**Materials Needed:**
- Projector and screen or interactive whiteboard
- Computer with internet access
- Art books or printouts of modern and contemporary art pieces
- Art supplies (paper, pencils, paints, brushes, markers, etc.)
- Notebooks and pens
**Standards:**
- Analyze and discuss various aspects and impacts of modern and contemporary art.
- Create artwork inspired by modern and contemporary artists.
- Develop critical thinking and interpretive skills by comparing and contrasting different art styles and movements.
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**Lesson Activities:**
**Introduction (15 minutes):**
1. **Opening Discussion:** Begin with a brief discussion on what students already know about art history. Ask if they can name any modern or contemporary artists/movements.
2. **Objective Sharing:** Explain the goals of the lesson and what they will learn about modern and contemporary art.
3. **Historical Context:**
- Define the terms "modern" and "contemporary" art.
- Provide a brief timeline highlighting key periods and movements: Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Contemporary Art.
**Main Activity (45 minutes):**
**Part 1: In-Depth Slide Presentation (20 minutes):**
1. Use a multimedia presentation to show images and provide context about various art movements.
- Highlight key artists (e.g., Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Barbara Kruger).
- Discuss characteristic features of each movement.
- Engage with questions to encourage students to observe and think critically about the artworks.
**Part 2: Art Stations (25 minutes):**
1. **Station Setup:** Create different stations with materials related to the styles discussed.
- Station 1: Impressionism/Post-Impressionism (watercolors, pastels)
- Station 2: Cubism/Surrealism (collage materials, mixed media)
- Station 3: Abstract Expressionism/Pop Art (acrylics, bold colors, brushes)
- Station 4: Minimalism/Conceptual Art (pencil, paper, text-based art)
2. **Art Creation:**
- Divide the students into small groups and allow them to rotate through the stations.
- Encourage them to create quick sketches or pieces inspired by the styles they've learned.
- Provide guidance and encourage experimentation and creativity.
**Conclusion (15 minutes):**
**Gallery Walk and Reflection:**
1. **Gallery Walk:**
- Display the student artworks around the classroom.
- Have students walk around and view each other's work.
- Discuss what they notice, similarities/differences to actual movements, and what they learned.
2. **Reflection:**
- Ask students to write a short reflection in their notebooks about which artist or movement they found most interesting and why.
- Have a few students share their reflections with the class.
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**Assessment:**
- Informal assessment through observation during activities.
- Participation in discussions and activities.
- Quality and creativity of the artwork produced.
- Insight and engagement reflected in the written reflection.
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**Extension Activities:**
- Research project on a chosen modern or contemporary artist to present to the class.
- Visit a local art museum or virtual museum tour focusing on modern and contemporary art.
- Create a larger group project mural inspired by a chosen art movement.
By the end of the lesson, students should have a greater appreciation and understanding of modern and contemporary art and feel inspired to explore their own artistic expressions.