Lesson plan based on Fallen Warrior

Create individual shields that depict important events and facts in students' lives.

Skills and Focus: Studio, Art History, Cultural Comparisons

Subject Area: Fine Arts

Thematic Connection: Myths and Legends

Grade Level: Elementary School

Time Needed: 60 minutes

Objectives

• Identify the original context of this sculptural fragment of a fallen warrior.

• Recognize the importance in ancient Greek history of the battle between the Greeks and the Amazons.

• Compile a list of important events and people in students' lives.

• Create a poster board shield which depicts these personal milestones.

• Demonstrate ability to manipulate a variety of tools and materials, including paint, brushes, and writing implements.

Instructional Materials Needed

Stories: The Shield of Athena and Why Was This Sculpture Made?

Writing paper

Pencils or pens

White poster board, cut into 18" circles (one per student)

Tempera paints

Brushes

Small containers of water for rinsing brushes

Activity

Step 1: Begin by having students make a list of people, objects, and events important to them. Student lists may include the following: family, friends, or people in their communities; their homes or neighborhoods; favorite foods, books, movies, or television shows; a favorite subject at school; special events in their lives, such as holidays or group gatherings; places they have visited or would like to visit; and what they might like to do in the future.

Step 2: Have students illustrate items from their lists on a large circle of poster board with tempera paint.

Step 3: Display the completed shields in the classroom. Ask students to guess who made each shield.

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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