Subject: Reading, Speaking, General History, Visual Art
Time needed: 2-3 hours
/
Lesson Overview
Lesson Summary / For over 100 years, the modern Olympics have been a part of the amateur athletic scene throughout the world. Some critics argue that they have become far too commercial with the numerous Olympic symbols finding their way on every type of product. One Olympic item, however, that has consistently been a vital part of the Olympic memorabilia since the first modern Olympics of 1896 is the official poster. The goal of the poster is to stimulate both interest and enthusiasm for the Games. In this lesson, students compare 24 official Olympic posters to identify similarities and differences among them. After learning more about the spirit and goals of the Olympics, students will create their own Olympic posters incorporating specific design elements. Students will then present their posters to their classmates.
Objectives /
- Students will compare and contrast official Olympic posters.
- Students will learn about the symbols and spirit of the Olympic Games.
- Students will create an Olympic poster based on specific design and content criteria.
- Students will present their posters to their classmates following specific presentation criteria.
Materials /
- Collection of official Olympic posters (available online)
- Projection system for computer
- Drawing paper (dimensions of your choice)
- Art materials (crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, etc.)
Directions
Suggested Lesson Plan Procedures /
- Introduce lesson by discussing the purpose of posters that advertise specific events. (You may want to share some posters from around the school as examples. Posters should contain information about the event and be visually appealing.) Explain the goal of the Olympics as defined in the Olympic charter: "The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind . . . ."
As further support, highlight this quote from Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Movement. He said, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well." - Access the Olympic Posters Website and project the poster images to the students. For each poster, have students make observations about its content and design.
- Scroll down to the chart entitled, "The Games of the Olympiad." Click on the P to view the poster for each Olympiad.
- As you view each poster, ask students to make observations of what they see. These observations may include items such as: the name of the host city/country; the year and/or number of the Olympiad; a visual design that represents some aspect of the host city (memorable landmark, flag, logo), the Games (particular events, the Olympic rings, the five colors) or more abstract observations relating to specific design elements such as size, color, and layout. Either have students record these observations on their own papers or have one student record.
- After viewing the posters, you can access the Olympic Primer or provide this next bit of information with a lecture. If using the Web site, click on "Symbols of the Olympic Games." Read and discuss all the information pertaining to the symbols (flag, torch, medals, mascot).
- Following this discussion, assign to students this task:
Teacher Notes /
- There are many variables in this assignment. You may want to consider using some computer-generated clip art for those students who are "artistically challenged!"
- I would also suggest you require a simplistic rough draft to be sure students have thought carefully about the layout.
- The criteria for evaluation should emphasize the content and presentation rather than the art work (unless, of course, it's an art class!).
- If students have access to the Internet on their own, you may want to have them examine the sites and generate their list of observations individually or as partners rather than as a class.
- You may also want to consider printing the posters so they are visible throughout the process.
Related Web Sites / Olympic Primer: Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles Website for learning about the Olympics. Click on Symbols.
Olympic Posters: Information on Olympic posters.
Olympic Logos Web site: See Olympic logos from different eras.
Art Prints: Brochure of posters available from the Olympic Museum. May be used as a handout. (.pdf)
Olympic Poster Booklet: Produced by the Olympic Museum (.pdf).
Technology Supplies /
- Computer(s)
- Projection System
- Internet Connection
Modification for Differentiated Instruction / Special Needs Students :
If students are familiar with a publishing program, you may want to make it available to your students and adjust the poster size to that of a flyer.
Gifted Students :
Depending upon the area of strength, highly capable students may want to:
- create their own mascot or medal design in addition to the poster.
- act as judges of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and choose the "best" poster.
- create a Web page and scan the posters onto it for parents and others to view.
Student Assessment / Visual Presentation, Rubric
Assessment Tools:
Two separate grades could be given: one for the content of the poster (graphic) and one for the presentation itself. For the presentation, the rubric could be based upon organization, subject knowledge, use of graphics, language use, and elocution. For the graphic, the rubric could be based upon layout, mechanics (spelling, etc.), inclusion of symbols, neatness, and use of color.