**Lesson Plan: Cultural Art Studies**
**Grade Level:** 8
**Subject:** Art
**Duration:** Two 60-minute class periods
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**Objective:**
- Students will explore different cultural art forms and understand their historical and social contexts.
- Students will create their own art piece inspired by a selected culture.
- Students will develop an appreciation for the diversity of artistic expressions around the world.
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**Materials:**
- Art history books and online resources
- Projector and computer/tablet for presentation
- Art supplies (paper, canvas, paints, brushes, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
- Notebooks/journals
- Worksheet with questions for guided research
- Access to the internet for research
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**Day 1: Exploring Cultural Art**
**I. Introduction to Cultural Art (15 minutes)**
1. **Engage:** Begin with a short video showing a variety of cultural art pieces from around the world.
2. **Discuss:** Lead a brief discussion about what students noticed in the video. Ask questions like:
- What differences did you see in the art styles?
- Did any artworks stand out to you? Why?
- Why do you think art is important in different cultures?
**II. Presentation on Cultural Art (20 minutes)**
1. **Teach:** Present a slideshow highlighting different cultural art forms (e.g., African masks, Aboriginal dot paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, Native American pottery, etc.).
- Include key elements, techniques, materials, and cultural significance.
2. Highlight how art reflects the history, beliefs, and values of each culture.
**III. Research Activity (25 minutes)**
1. **Activity:** Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a different culture to research.
- Provide them with the worksheet that includes specific questions to guide their research (e.g., key art pieces, materials used, techniques, cultural significance, etc.).
2. Groups use books and the internet to gather information. Encourage them to take notes and sketch any significant art pieces they find.
**Homework:**
- Complete additional research and prepare to share findings with the class.
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**Day 2: Creating Cultural-Inspired Art**
**I. Group Presentations (20 minutes)**
1. **Present:** Each group shares their findings with the class.
- Discuss the key elements and cultural significance of the art forms they researched.
2. **Reflect:** As a class, reflect on the similarities and differences between the cultural art forms presented.
**II. Art Creation Activity (35 minutes)**
1. **Create:** Students choose one of the cultures they researched (it doesn't have to be their group’s assigned culture) and create an art piece inspired by that culture.
- Provide all necessary art supplies and encourage students to use techniques and styles observed in their research.
- Remind students to consider the cultural significance behind their chosen art style.
- Students should work individually but can discuss and share ideas with their peers.
**III. Peer Review and Sharing (5 minutes)**
1. **Share:** Invite students to share their completed artworks with the class.
- Students briefly explain the cultural inspiration behind their piece and any techniques or elements they incorporated.
2. **Peer Review:** Encourage positive feedback and constructive critiques from classmates.
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**Assessment:**
- Participation in group research and presentations
- Completion and quality of individual art pieces inspired by cultural research
- Reflection and understanding demonstrated in class discussions and peer review
**Extension Activity:**
- Visit a local museum with cultural art exhibits and encourage students to write a reflective essay on the experience.
**Standards Met:**
- **Visual Arts**: Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
- **Social Studies**: Understanding cultural diversity and how it shapes artistic expressions.