Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)
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Understanding of Advanced Concepts in Ancient Greek Art: Students will be able to comprehend and explain advanced concepts in Ancient Greek Art, such as the development of naturalistic sculpture and the evolution of architectural styles, specifically the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. This includes understanding the historical context and cultural influences on the art forms.
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Analysis and Interpretation of Ancient Greek Art: Through the study of primary and secondary sources, students will learn to analyze and interpret Ancient Greek Art. This includes the ability to identify and discuss the symbolic elements and mythological themes depicted in the works of art.
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Creation of an Artistic Product: Students will apply their understanding of Ancient Greek Art to create an original art piece. This exercise will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge of the art style and its unique characteristics.
Secondary Objective: Promote Critical Thinking and Collaboration: The flipped classroom methodology encourages students to take on a more active role in their learning process. This promotes critical thinking and collaborative skills as they engage in pre-class activities, in-class discussions, and group work.
By the end of the lesson, students should have a deep understanding of the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art, be able to analyze and interpret its elements, and demonstrate their knowledge through an original art creation.
Introduction (10 - 12 minutes)
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Review of Necessary Content: The teacher reminds students of the basic concepts of Ancient Greek Art that they learned in previous lessons. This includes the significance of mythology in Greek culture, the role of city-states in fostering artistic development, and the use of symmetry and idealization in Greek art. The teacher uses visual aids and interactive discussions to engage students and ensure they have a solid foundation for the advanced concepts to come. (3 - 4 minutes)
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Problem Situations as Starters:
- The teacher presents a picture of a well-known sculpture from Ancient Greece, such as the Discobolus of Myron or the Venus de Milo, and asks students to speculate on how such intricate and realistic sculptures could have been created without modern tools. This leads to a discussion about the advanced sculpting techniques of Ancient Greece. (2 minutes)
- Next, the teacher introduces a photo of the Parthenon, a famous Greek temple, and asks students to consider how the unique architectural style, particularly the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, reflect the values and beliefs of Ancient Greek society. This prompts a discussion on the symbolism and functionality of architectural elements. (2 minutes)
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Real-World Applications: The teacher highlights the influence of Ancient Greek Art in modern society. They can mention how the principles of Greek art are still used today in fields such as architecture, sculpture, and even in the design of everyday objects. For example, the teacher can point out that the Ionic order in architecture is often seen in government buildings, and the Corinthian order is frequently used in the design of prestigious hotels. They can also mention the use of Greek mythological themes in literature, film, and even in the names of planets and constellations. (2 - 3 minutes)
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Engaging Introduction: To pique the students' interest, the teacher shares two intriguing facts about Ancient Greek Art:
- The teacher explains that the Greeks were so obsessed with achieving the perfect human form in their art that they even developed a mathematical formula, known as the Canon, to ensure perfect proportions in their sculptures. They can show an example of the Canon of Polykleitos, a sculptor who used this formula in his work. (1 minute)
- The teacher tells the story of Phidias, the master sculptor who oversaw the construction of the Parthenon and its decorative sculptures. They highlight how Phidias's work was so highly regarded that he was accused of stealing gold that was used in the statue of Athena, and how he was eventually exonerated. This story illustrates the high standards and expectations that the Greeks had for their art. (2 minutes)
By the end of the introduction, students should be curious and eager to delve deeper into the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art.
Development
Pre-Class Activities (15 - 20 minutes)
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Reading Assignment: Students are given a reading assignment where they learn about the development of naturalistic sculpture in Ancient Greece and the evolution of architectural styles, specifically the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. They also read about the historical context and cultural influences on these art forms. This reading is accompanied by a set of questions that guide students towards a deeper understanding of the material. (10 minutes)
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Video Viewing: Students watch a short, animated video that explains the significance of the Canon of Polykleitos in Ancient Greek Art. The video uses engaging visuals and simplified language to make the complex concept more accessible. After watching the video, students answer a few comprehension questions about the Canon. (5 minutes)
In-Class Activities (25 - 30 minutes)
Activity 1: "Art Detective" - Analyzing and Interpreting Art Pieces (15 - 20 minutes)
- Introduction: Students are divided into small groups and are provided with a set of pictures of Ancient Greek sculptures and architectural structures. The teacher emphasizes that the students are "art detectives" and their task is to analyze and interpret the works of art, deducing information about the artist's techniques, cultural influences, and historical context.
- Activity Instructions: Each group is given a worksheet that outlines the steps they need to follow during the activity. The steps are: a. Identify the work of art and artist (if known) based on provided clues. b. Analyze the techniques used in the work of art, specifically looking for signs of naturalism and the use of the Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian orders. c. Interpret the work of art, discussing what it tells us about Ancient Greek culture and the artist's possible intentions.
- Group Work: Students work collaboratively in their groups to complete the "Art Detective" worksheet. They discuss their interpretations and findings, promoting critical thinking and collaborative skills.
- Presentation: After completing the worksheet, each group presents their findings to the class, explaining their reasoning and interpretations and receiving feedback from the teacher and other students.
Activity 2: "Modern Greek Art" - Creating an Artistic Product (10 - 15 minutes)
- Introduction: The teacher introduces the second activity, "Modern Greek Art". The objective is for students to create an original artwork that incorporates elements of Ancient Greek art, such as naturalistic sculpture or the Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian orders. This allows students to apply their understanding of Ancient Greek art in a creative and fun way.
- Instructions: The students are given art supplies and are instructed to create their artwork within a given time limit. They are encouraged to discuss and share ideas within their groups, but each student should create their own piece.
- Art Showcase: After the time is up, the students present their artworks to the class. They explain how their artwork incorporates elements of Ancient Greek Art and what inspired their design choices.
By the end of the development stage, students should have engaged deeply with the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art, both in their analysis of existing works and in their creation of an original art piece.
Feedback (8 - 10 minutes)
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Group Discussions: After the completion of the in-class activities, the teacher facilitates a group discussion where each group presents its conclusions and findings from the "Art Detective" and "Modern Greek Art" activities. Each group is given up to 3 minutes to present, allowing for a quick and efficient sharing of ideas. This discussion not only allows students to articulate their thoughts and understanding but also enables them to learn from the interpretations and creations of their peers. The teacher uses this opportunity to provide feedback, ask probing questions, and correct any misconceptions. (4 - 5 minutes)
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Connection to Theory: The teacher then guides a discussion on how the in-class activities connect with the theoretical knowledge from the pre-class activities. They emphasize the application of the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art in the analysis and interpretation of the art pieces in the "Art Detective" activity. They also highlight how the creation of the "Modern Greek Art" pieces allowed students to demonstrate their understanding of the techniques and styles of Ancient Greek Art. This discussion helps students see the practical relevance of the concepts they learned, reinforcing their understanding. (2 - 3 minutes)
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Reflection Time: The teacher concludes the feedback session by asking students to take a moment to reflect on the lesson. They can either do this silently or write down their thoughts in a notebook. The teacher poses the following questions for reflection:
- What was the most important concept you learned today?
- What questions do you still have about Ancient Greek Art?
- How did the in-class activities help you understand the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art?
- How do you think the principles of Ancient Greek Art apply to modern art and architecture?
- What was the most challenging part of today's lesson?
- What aspects of the lesson would you like to explore further?
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Sharing Reflections: After a minute of reflection, the teacher invites students to share their thoughts. This sharing session provides valuable insights into the students' learning experiences and helps the teacher understand any areas that may need to be revisited or clarified in future lessons. (2 - 3 minutes)
By the end of the feedback stage, students should have a clear understanding of the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art, and the teacher should have a good grasp of the students' learning progress and any areas that may need further reinforcement or clarification.
Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)
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Summary and Recap: The teacher begins the conclusion by summarizing the main points of the lesson. They revisit the advanced concepts of Ancient Greek Art that the students learned, such as the development of naturalistic sculpture and the evolution of architectural styles, specifically the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. They also recap the methods of analyzing and interpreting Ancient Greek Art, as well as the creation of an original art piece inspired by Ancient Greek Art. The teacher ensures that the students understand the key takeaways from the lesson. (1 - 2 minutes)
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Connection of Theory, Practice, and Application: The teacher then explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and application. They highlight how the pre-class activities provided the theoretical knowledge, the in-class activities allowed for practical application and understanding through analysis and creation, and the group discussions and reflection time facilitated the connection of theory and practice. The teacher emphasizes that understanding the theory and history of Ancient Greek Art is crucial for its practical application in art analysis and creation. (1 - 2 minutes)
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Suggested Additional Materials: To further enhance the students' understanding of Ancient Greek Art, the teacher suggests additional materials. These could include:
- A documentary on Ancient Greek Art, which provides a more immersive and visual learning experience.
- A virtual tour of the Acropolis in Athens, where students can see the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders in real-life architectural settings.
- Biographies of renowned Ancient Greek artists, such as Phidias and Polykleitos, to gain a deeper appreciation of their art and influence.
- A visit to a local art museum or gallery with a collection of Ancient Greek Art, if possible, to see the art forms up close and personal. The teacher encourages students to explore these resources at their own pace to further enrich their understanding of the topic. (1 - 2 minutes)
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Importance of the Topic: Lastly, the teacher emphasizes the importance of understanding Ancient Greek Art. They explain that it is not just about appreciating the beauty and skill of the artworks, but also about understanding a culture and civilization that has greatly influenced our modern world. The teacher reminds students that the principles and techniques of Ancient Greek Art are still used today in various fields, including art, architecture, and design. They also highlight how the themes and stories from Greek mythology continue to inspire and influence modern literature, film, and even everyday language. The teacher concludes by encouraging students to keep exploring and connecting with the art forms and cultures that have shaped our world. (1 - 2 minutes)
By the end of the conclusion, students should feel confident in their understanding of Ancient Greek Art and its relevance to their lives, and they should be eager to continue learning and exploring the topic.