# Lesson Plan: Art History (Prehistoric to Renaissance)
### Grade Level:
9th Grade
### Subject:
Art
### Duration:
2 Weeks
### Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
1. Gain a historical overview of art from Prehistoric times to the Renaissance period.
2. Identify key characteristics, artists, and artworks from each period.
3. Understand the cultural and historical context influencing artistic development.
4. Develop skills to analyze and critique art pieces.
5. Create artworks inspired by different historical periods.
### Materials:
- Textbooks covering art history
- Projector and computer for presentations
- Images of artworks from each period (digital and printed)
- Art supplies (paints, brushes, clay, paper, pencils, etc.)
- Handouts/worksheets for note-taking and activities
- Video documentaries on art history periods
### Week 1:
#### Day 1: Introduction to Art History
- **Warm-Up Activity:** Discuss what art means to students and their favorite art pieces.
- **Lecture:** Brief overview of art history; the importance of studying art history.
- **Activity:** Timeline creation - students create a timeline from Prehistoric to Renaissance periods.
- **Homework:** Research one Prehistoric artwork and write a short paragraph about it.
#### Day 2: Prehistoric Art
- **Warm-Up Activity:** Share and discuss homework findings.
- **Lecture:** Characteristics of Prehistoric art (Cave paintings, Stonehenge).
- **Activity:** Create simple cave paintings using natural materials (Charcoal, ochre).
- **Discussion:** Significance and possible functions of Prehistoric artworks.
#### Day 3: Egyptian Art
- **Lecture:** Features and significance of Egyptian art (pyramids, hieroglyphics).
- **Activity:** Draw an Egyptian-style portrait or design a simple hieroglyphic message.
- **Discussion:** The role of art in documenting history and culture.
#### Day 4: Greek and Roman Art
- **Lecture:** Characteristics of Greek and Roman art (sculptures, architecture, pottery).
- **Activity:** Create a Greek vase design or a Roman mosaic.
- **Homework:** Choose one famous Greek or Roman artwork to present.
#### Day 5: Student Presentations
- **Activity:** Student presentations on selected Greek or Roman artworks.
- **Discussion:** Compare and contrast Greek and Roman art.
### Week 2:
#### Day 1: Medieval Art
- **Lecture:** Characteristics of Medieval art (Illuminated manuscripts, Gothic architecture).
- **Activity:** Create an illuminated manuscript page.
- **Discussion:** Function and symbolism in Medieval art.
#### Day 2: Renaissance Art
- **Lecture:** Overview of Renaissance art; significant artists (Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael).
- **Activity:** Recreate a segment of a famous Renaissance painting.
- **Discussion:** Innovations and changes introduced during the Renaissance.
#### Day 3: Art Analysis Skills
- **Lecture:** How to analyze and critique an artwork.
- **Activity:** Analyze an artwork from each period covered using provided worksheets.
- **Discussion:** Share findings and discuss different interpretations.
#### Day 4: Create Your Own Historical Artwork
- **Activity:** Students create an artwork inspired by any of the periods covered.
- **Work Time:** Provide materials and support while students work on their pieces.
- **Homework:** Continue working on the artwork if not finished in class.
#### Day 5: Art Exhibition
- **Activity:** Set up a classroom exhibition of student artworks.
- **Gallery Walk:** Students present their artworks, explaining their inspiration and process.
- **Discussion:** Reflect on what was learned about art history and the creative process.
### Assessment:
- Active participation in discussions and activities.
- Completion and quality of homework assignments.
- Quality and creativity of the final artwork.
- Student presentations and engagement during the gallery walk.
### Extensions:
- Watch documentaries or read articles about specific periods or artists not covered in detail.
- Visit a local museum (virtual or in-person) to see examples of art from different periods.
### Reflection:
- Gather student feedback on the lesson.
- Reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future lessons.