# Year 6 Art Lesson Plan: Art History (20th Century)
## Lesson Title: Exploring 20th Century Art Movements
### Age/Grade Level
Year 6
### Duration
2 Hours
### Lesson Objectives
- Students will gain an understanding of major 20th-century art movements.
- Students will be able to identify key characteristics and notable artists of these movements.
- Students will create an artwork inspired by a 20th-century art movement of their choice.
### Materials Needed
- PowerPoint presentation or printed materials covering major 20th-century art movements (e.g., Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art)
- Art supplies (coloured pencils, paints, brushes, paper, scissors, glue, etc.)
- Notebooks and pencils for brainstorming and sketching
- Access to the internet for visual references (optional)
### Lesson Outline
#### Introduction (15 Minutes)
1. **Hook:** Start with a brief discussion about what students think of when they hear "20th-century art." Ask them if they are familiar with any artists or styles from that period.
2. **Objective Sharing:** Explain that they will be learning about different art movements from the 20th century and creating their own artwork inspired by one of these movements.
#### Mini-Lesson (30 Minutes)
1. **Presentation:** Use a PowerPoint or printed materials to introduce major 20th-century art movements. Cover the following:
- **Cubism:** Key artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Characteristics include fragmented objects and multiple viewpoints.
- **Surrealism:** Key artists such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. Characteristics include dream-like, bizarre, and fantastical imagery.
- **Abstract Expressionism:** Key artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Characteristics include abstract, expressive brushstrokes and emotional intensity.
- **Pop Art:** Key artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Characteristics include bright colours, commercial techniques, and imagery from popular culture.
2. **Discussion:** After each movement is introduced, ask for student observations and reflections. Encourage them to discuss what they find interesting or unique about each style.
#### Guided Practice (15 Minutes)
1. **Group Brainstorming:** Divide the students into small groups. Ask each group to choose one of the discussed art movements and brainstorm ideas for an art piece inspired by that style.
2. **Sketching:** Each student should sketch a draft of their artwork in their notebooks. Encourage them to think about the key characteristics of their chosen movement.
#### Independent Practice (50 Minutes)
1. **Creating Artwork:** Students will create their own artworks based on their sketches, using the provided art supplies. Remind them to incorporate the specific characteristics of their chosen 20th-century art movement.
2. **Teacher Support:** Walk around the room, offering guidance and feedback as students work on their projects.
#### Conclusion (10 Minutes)
1. **Showcase:** Allow students to present their finished artworks to the class. Ask them to explain which movement inspired their piece and which characteristics they incorporated.
2. **Reflection:** Lead a group discussion on what they learned about 20th-century art movements and their creative processes.
#### Extension Activities
1. **Research Project:** Assign students to research a 20th-century artist of their choice and present a short biography along with examples of their work.
2. **Art Gallery Visit:** If possible, organise a trip to a local art gallery or museum that features 20th-century art.
### Assessment
- **Formative Assessment:** Observe student participation during discussions and group activities.
- **Summative Assessment:** Evaluate the final artworks based on creativity, adherence to the style of the chosen art movement, and effort.
### Differentiation
- For students needing additional support: Provide simplified materials, one-on-one assistance, and more structured guidance during the brainstorming and sketching phase.
- For advanced students: Encourage more in-depth research into additional 20th-century movements or challenging them to combine elements from multiple styles in their artwork.
### Homework
- **Reflection Essay:** Ask students to write a short essay on the artist or art movement they found most interesting and why. Encourage them to include thoughts on how 20th-century art has influenced modern art and culture.
### Resources
- PowerPoint or PDF summarising key points of major art movements
- Art supply kits
- Books or articles about 20th-century art for deeper understanding
This lesson plan aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of 20th-century art, encouraging both creative expression and critical thinking.