### Lesson Plan: Art History (Medieval to Renaissance)
**Grade Level:** 7th Grade
**Subject:** Art
**Duration:** 90 minutes
**Objective:**
Students will explore the evolution and characteristics of art from the Medieval period to the Renaissance. This includes understanding the social, cultural, and technological influences that shaped the art of these periods. Students will also create an artwork inspired by these styles.
**Materials Needed:**
- Projector and computer for slides/presentation
- Images of Medieval and Renaissance art
- Art History handouts/worksheet
- Drawing paper
- Pencils, erasers, and rulers
- Colored pencils, markers, or watercolors
- Reference books (optional)
### Lesson Outline:
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greeting and Settling Down:** Greet students, allow them a few minutes to settle and prepare their materials.
2. **Hook Activity:** Show a quick slideshow of famous Medieval and Renaissance artworks. Ask students to make quick notes on what differences they notice immediately.
**Presentation (20 minutes)**
1. **Medieval Art Overview:**
- Characteristics: religious themes, lack of perspective, flat and elongated figures, use of gold, and symbolism.
- Influences: Church, feudal system.
- Examples: Illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, frescos, and mosaics.
2. **Renaissance Art Overview:**
- Characteristics: Realism, use of perspective, humanism, more naturalistic figures, exploration of light and shadow.
- Influences: Humanism, rediscovery of Greco-Roman culture, scientific exploration.
- Examples: Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, etc.
3. **Comparative Discussion:** Briefly compare Medieval and Renaissance art based on the examples shown.
**Activity (30 minutes)**
1. **Drawing Exercise:**
- Students will choose between creating a piece inspired by Medieval or Renaissance art.
- **Medieval Option:** Design a small illuminated manuscript page with an initial letter and decorative elements.
- **Renaissance Option:** Draw a simple figure or portrait utilizing basic perspective techniques and shading.
**Work Time (15 minutes)**
- Allow students time to work on their drawings. Walk around to provide assistance and feedback.
**Wrap-Up Discussion (10 minutes)**
1. **Gallery Walk:** Have students display their artworks on their desks. Allow them a few minutes to walk around and observe each other’s work.
2. **Class Discussion:** Discuss what was challenging or interesting about trying to create art in these styles.
3. **Reflection:** Ask students to share what they learned about the differences and similarities between the two periods.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in discussions.
- Engagement with the drawing activity.
- Informal assessment of the final artwork, focusing on the application of style characteristics discussed.
**Homework:**
- Choose an artist from the Medieval period or the Renaissance. Write a short paragraph about their contribution to art and find an example of their work to share in the next class.
**Extensions:**
- Create a timeline displaying major art movements, including Medieval and Renaissance periods.
- Organize a deeper dive into a specific artist or artwork from either period.
**Standards Addressed:**
- Understanding of historical and cultural contexts of visual arts (National Core Arts Standards: Responding: Anchor Standard 7).
- Applying media, techniques, and processes (National Core Arts Standards: Creating: Anchor Standard 2).
- Understanding and applying visual arts concepts (National Core Arts Standards: Creating: Anchor Standard 1, Artistic Perception).
**Conclusion:**
This lesson will not only equip students with knowledge about key art periods but also enhance their ability to critically engage with and produce artworks influenced by historical styles.