Drawing on Blue Jeans
Created By:
Lydia E. Smith-Davis
Title/Role:
Teacher Librarian
Organization/School Name:
Orange Lutheran High School
Location:
California
Grade Level:
11, 12 Type of Lesson:
Stand-alone lesson Type of Schedule:
Combination Collaboration Continuum:
Moderate Content Area:
The Arts Content Topic:
Using inquiry to inspire artistic expression. Scenario:
An art teacher shares with the Teacher Librarian that she is feeling frustrated because she wants her students to create works of art using blue jeans as a canvas to engage conversation and debate around issues of social concern. The teacher has suggested the students search Google images for inspiration, but the students tell her they have limited social experience to draw from and don't know where to start. Discussion with the teacher librarian expands the teachers' horizons by introducing her to a variety of online databases with topic ideas and information sources based on broader cultural and social contexts. Using a library qualities matrix designed by the teacher librarian to guide and assess the research process, the art teacher and teacher librarian begin collaborating. They create an Information Literacy poster. They design an online survey of library skills based on the qualities matrix. Teaching students to use digital technology to locate, evaluate, and use information that is current, reliable, accurate, and valid, they connect understanding to the real world, inspiring student inquiry and the creation of works of art that apply to authentic real-world contexts. Overview:
Students use resources and information from the library to develop global perspectives in a changing world, learning about the roles and responsibilities of members of the global community. Each student identifies and explores his or her own particular area of interest. The students then connect their understanding to the real world, using inquiry to inspire artistic expression. Final Product:
Students draw and paint on blue jeans to create works of art expressing their own perspectives on issues of social concern. Examples of topics depicted include: terrorism, justice for the oppressed, alcoholism, gun control, and the BP Oil Spill. Library Lesson:
Students explore topics and find information in the Global Issues in Context online database, demonstrating mastery of technology tools to access information and pursue inquiry. They use information to connect to the real world and to inspire works of art that apply to authentic, real-world social contexts. Estimated Lesson Time:
45 minutes Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes Strategies for differentiation:
Buddy up for translation purposes--using available resources: print and digital. Think, pair, share!