Lesson plan based on Alexander Coin
Design and create foil coins with images that symbolize students’ imaginary leadership in the ancient world.
Skills and Focus: Studio, Art History
Subject Area: Fine Arts
Thematic Connection: Money, Signs and Symbols
Grade Level: Middle School
Time Needed: 80 minutes
Objectives
• Identify Alexander the Great as a powerful ruler in the ancient world.
• Imagine what it would be like to be a ruler in the ancient world.
• Design and create coins with images symbolic of imaginary rulers.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to create a three—dimensional work of art.
Instructional Materials Needed
Stories: Who Was Alexander? and Coins in the Greek World
Pencils or ball point pens
Scissors
Tooling foil circles cut the same size as the coin template
Poster board circles cut the same size as the coin template
Glue
Activity
Have students look at a the map of the ancient world and choose a country to rule. Have them imagine commissioning a new coin to be used in their country.
Step 1: Discuss how the images on the Alexander coin reflect his rule. Ask students to think about what images or objects will reflect their rule in the ancient world. One side (obverse or front) of the coin they produce should have the ruler's portrait (a self-portrait), while the other side (reverse or back) should have an image of something symbolic of the country.
Step 2: Students should sketch designs with pencil on the coin templates. Remind them that their final image will appear in reverse.
Step 3: Have students cut out templates and lay them on circles of foil. Using a dull pencil or ball point pen, they should carefully trace design while applying steady pressure with pen or pencil. Have them experiment with pressure applied to produce different effects. Repeat with the other design.
Step 4: Students should glue foil circles onto each side of one poster board circle.
Goals
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 26: Through creating and performing, understand how works of art are produced.
This activity meets Illinois State Goal 27: Understand the role of the arts in civilizations, past and present.
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