Art as a Social Record
Project URL: http://szetohistory.tripod.com/artlearningunit.htm
How
it works:
Artistic products are important primary sources in studying about
the past. Why was this artwork created? What can this piece of artwork
tell us about its society? Historians and other academics conduct
extensive research to answer these questions. With the use of technology,
students are provided with easy access to artworks from different
parts of the world. Following teacher-designed resources, they will
be able to answer these questions on their own. This learning unit
will incorporate technology and art to better understand history.
Students will culminate their learning of each topic through different
interactive activities and projects.
Standards addressed:
Students will use a variety of intellectual, analytical and research
skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes,
developments, and turning points in history. They will use technology
to locate, evaluate, and present information. Students will read and
write for information and understanding, using standard English skillfully.
Materials used:
Students will use computers with Internet access and scanners. Students
will also employ Adobe Acrobat Professional, Microsoft Word and other
office productivity softwares to enhance their research.
The students:
Most of these lessons are suitable for regular students. If used for
honors classes, teachers might want to adjust the difficulty of the
projects.
Overall value:
All of these projects are student-centered. This fits our
current educational model very well, with the teacher in the role
of facilitator. The lessons help to strengthen students' analytical
and research skills. With an understanding of the value of class time
and curriculum coverage, most of the individual topics can be completed
in a period or two.
Tips:
Teachers should contact computer lab to check for Internet availability
before bringing students in to work. They might also keep close watch
of the time spent on group work. Constant evaluating and assessing
are keys to success.
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About the teacher:
Andy Szeto has taught Social Studies at Bayside High School since
2002. He specializes in American History, but also teaches Global
History and Economics. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Stony Brook
University in History, he holds a MS in Reading from SUNY Albany and
has just completed his Educational Administration coursework in 2006.
He serves as the Student Teacher Advisor for the Social Studies Department
in his school.
Email:
szetohistory@aol.com
Subject Areas:
Social Studies
Arts
Grade Levels:
9-12
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