Author: Michelle Cravez
Title: Exploring Islam through Art
Grade Level: 9-10
Learning Goal: Students can define “religion” and “symbol.” They will be able to discuss style, colors, methods and messages in Islamic religious art. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic elements of Islamic art and show an understanding of basic Islamic religious concepts expressed within art.
Students prior knowledge: Students will have a VERY basic understanding of the Islamic faith and an understanding of where geographically, Islam is most commonly practiced.
Required Time: 1 and ½ hours
Learning Objective:
1. Student’s will fill out worksheet on the basic elements of Islamic art by watching a quick movie and working in groups to navigate a BBC site on Islamic Art.
2. Student’s will use their knowledge and the internet to create their own piece of Islamic Art.
Opening Activity: Have students write on a piece of paper their own definition of art. Have students write down where one can find art and how it is used as a form of expression. Ask students to list ways in which they use art themselves.
Resources and Materials:
1. Projector and screen
2. Islamic Art Video-
3. Computers for Students to research Islamic Art and view website
4. Worksheet to fill out info on Islamic Art
5. Blank Paper
6. Art Supplies
Learning Activity: Students will fill out questions on worksheet about Islamic Art and use the internet to gather ideas to create their own piece of Islamic art.
Procedure:
1. Students will complete opening activity listed above
2. Students will watch video on Islamic Art-
3. Students will then work with partner to fill out worksheet on Islamic Art by exploring a BBC website and using information from the video they just watched
4. Students will use google to search examples of Islamic Art
5. Students will create their own piece of Islamic Art following the guidelines they learned about in class and including religious references or symbols
6. Students will include a small explanation of their creation to be displayed below their work, which will be hung up on classroom walls
Assessment: Teacher will review students’ worksheets on Islamic art to check for right answers. Additionally, students’ artwork and artwork bio will be analyzed for an understanding of material and basic concepts of Islamic religion.
I believe my lesson plan is relatively equitable in that not too much technologically related prior knowledge is necessary. The game seems pretty straightforward and by this point, students should have a basic understanding of how to run a basic google search. Of course, some students may be more experienced in using google then others because they have a computer at home. There may be some students with more cultural capital and thus a greater understanding of art and its use as an expression. Otherwise, I think my lesson plan is relatively equitable.