Skip to Main Content

Lesson 1

We begin this lesson with a review of the Central Question and Framing Questions for the unit and discuss the questions that are specific to this section. We will then compare artwork to nonfiction writing and learn several key terms that are important for discussing works of art by creating one-slide presentations.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I use a variety of strategies (e.g., context clues, word study, and vocabulary resources) to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words related to art?

  • How well do I take necessary action to prepare for the task?

Texts

There are no texts for this Lesson.

Materials

Tools

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read

We introduce the section by reviewing the unit framing questions.

Step 1

Review the Central Question and Framing Questions:

How do we tell someone else’s story?

Framing Questions:

  1. How does an author introduce and develop key persons, ideas, or events?

  2. What is the impact of an author’s word choice, and how does it affect the overall tone of a text?

  3. What inferences can be drawn about the ideas and key persons in the text?

  4. How does an author structure a text that involves multiple narratives over an extended amount of time?

  5. How does an author develop central issues in a text?

  6. What is the lasting significance of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell culture?

  7. How do other texts portray the story of Henrietta Lacks and the HeLa cell culture?

Step 2

Use the following questions to guide a discussion with a partner or small group:

  1. What new knowledge do you have in relation to the Central Question?

  2. What are you still curious about in relation to the Central Question?

  3. What is the relationship between the question and the texts you have read so far? How do the texts shed light on the question? How does the question help you understand the texts?

  4. How has your response to the question evolved, deepened, or changed?

In your Learning Log, write your response to Question 4. You will return to this response in later lessons to examine how your understanding of the Central Question has evolved.

Activity 2: Write – Discuss

We compare the structure and style of nonfiction writing to artwork using a venn diagram.

In this section of the unit, you will be examining different types of texts, including visual art. With your group, draw a Venn diagram in your Learning Log. On one circle, write “Nonfiction Writing” and on the other side write “Visual Art.” Use the middle intersecting circle to write similarities. Brainstorm elements that belong in each of the sections of the diagram.

Discuss the diagram as a class, and add and modify your Venn diagram as needed.

Activity 3: Read – Write – Present

We learn specific terms related to the elements of artwork by creating a one-slide presentation.

In your groups, you will be assigned two of the terms below. For each word, create a one-slide presentation that includes the term and definition, three visual examples of the term, and the term used in a sentence.

Art elements are the visual tools of art, and design elements are how art elements are used.

Art Elements:

  • form

  • line

  • shape

  • space

  • texture

  • value

Design Elements:

  • balance

  • contrast

  • emphasis

  • proportion

  • pattern

  • rhythm

  • unity

  • variety

Make sure you are searching for the definitions of art terms, as many of these words have multiple meanings.

Be prepared to present your slide to the class. Write down the definitions of your peers’ terms in your Vocabulary Journal.