Objectives (5 - 10 minutes)

1. Understanding Surrealism as an Art Movement: The teacher will introduce the Surrealism movement, highlighting its key characteristics and the historical context in which it emerged. This will ensure students have a solid foundation to understand the artwork they will be exploring in the lesson.

2. Identifying Surrealism in Artwork: The teacher will explain how to identify Surrealism in artwork, focusing on the use of dreamlike imagery, unexpected combinations, and the exploration of the subconscious mind. The students will be shown examples of Surrealist artwork and asked to point out these characteristics.

3. Creating a Surrealist Artwork: The main objective of this lesson is for students to create their own piece of Surrealist artwork. The teacher will explain that they will be using the techniques and characteristics of Surrealism they have learned to create a unique, dreamlike piece. This objective will be reinforced throughout the lesson to ensure students understand the task and feel confident in their ability to complete it.

Introduction (10 - 15 minutes)

• Review of Prior Knowledge: The teacher will begin the class by asking students to recall what they know about different art movements. This will serve as a foundation for the introduction of the Surrealism movement. The teacher will guide the discussion, ensuring that students understand the basic concepts of art movements and their influence on different periods in history. (3 - 5 minutes)

• Problem Situations:

  1. The teacher will present a problem situation where an artist wants to express their dreams and thoughts in a way that is not limited by reality. The students will be asked how they think the artist could achieve this. This problem will lead into the introduction of the Surrealism movement, which aimed to do just that. (2 - 3 minutes)
  2. The teacher will then present a second problem situation where an artist wants to create a sense of surprise or shock in their audience. The students will be asked how they think the artist could achieve this. This problem will introduce the concept of unexpected combinations in Surrealist artwork. (2 - 3 minutes)

• Contextualizing the Topic:

  1. The teacher will explain that Surrealism was a reaction to the rationality and order of the post-World War I world. It was a way for artists to explore the irrational and subconscious. The teacher will highlight that many Surrealist artists were influenced by the work of Sigmund Freud, a psychologist who studied the subconscious mind. (2 - 3 minutes)
  2. The teacher will then discuss the impact of Surrealism on popular culture, showing examples of Surrealist-inspired artwork in advertising, film, and literature. This will help students understand that Surrealism is not just a historical art movement, but also a continuing influence on contemporary culture. (2 - 3 minutes)

• Introduction of the Topic:

  1. The teacher will introduce the Surrealism movement, explaining that it was an art movement that emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. The Surrealists sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, for example by the irrational juxtaposition of images. The teacher will show examples of Surrealist artwork, such as Salvador Dali's "The Persistence of Memory" and Rene Magritte's "The Treachery of Images". (2 - 3 minutes)
  2. To grab the students' attention, the teacher will tell a short story about Salvador Dali's famous mustache. The story goes that Dali, known for his eccentric personality, once said, "I believe the only thing I have in common with the Surrealists is the fact that I am a surrealist." He then proceeded to paste a real mustache onto a copy of the Mona Lisa, claiming that it was "more surrealist than Dali himself." The teacher will use this story to illustrate the Surrealist's love of the unexpected and the irrational. (2 - 3 minutes)

This engaging introduction will ensure that students understand the significance of the Surrealism movement and are excited to start exploring and creating their own Surrealist artwork.

Development

Pre-Class Activities (15 - 20 minutes)

1. Reading Assignment: The students will be given a reading assignment about the Surrealism movement. The reading material will be chosen to be age-appropriate and easily understandable for high school students. This will include the origins, key characteristics, and influential artists of the Surrealism movement. The students will be asked to take notes during the reading, focusing on the key points, and any questions or thoughts they have. (5 - 7 minutes)

2. Video Viewing: The teacher will provide a link to a short educational video about Surrealism. The video will further explain the movement, its historical context, and the techniques employed by Surrealist artists. The students will be asked to watch the video carefully and note down any new information they learn. (7 - 10 minutes)

3. Online Quiz: At the end of the reading and video, the students will be asked to complete an online quiz to check their understanding of the Surrealism movement. The quiz will include multiple-choice and true/false questions based on the reading and video content. The students will be required to score a minimum number of correct answers to proceed to the in-class activities. (3 - 5 minutes)

In-Class Activities (25 - 30 minutes)

Activity 1: "Unusual Pairings" Surrealist Collage

1. Introduction (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher will introduce the concept of creating a Surrealist collage. They will explain that Surrealist artists often juxtaposed unrelated objects and images to create a sense of the unexpected and challenge the viewer's perception of reality. The teacher will show examples of Surrealist collages, such as the works of Max Ernst and Hannah Hoch, to illustrate this point. They will then present the materials students will use: old magazines, scissors, glue, and large sheets of paper. (3 - 5 minutes)

2. Activity (15 - 20 minutes): The students will form small groups and each group will be given a set of magazines and the other materials. The task for the students will be to cut out various objects, people, and animals from the magazines and arrange them in a way that creates an unexpected, dreamlike scene. The students will be encouraged to use their imagination and creativity, just like the Surrealist artists did. The teacher will circulate among the groups, providing assistance, and encouraging the students to think about the juxtapositions they are creating and the story their collage is telling. (10 - 15 minutes)

3. Presentation (5 - 7 minutes): After completing their collages, each group will present their work to the class. They will explain the elements they chose and the story their collage is telling. The teacher will facilitate the discussion, asking questions about the reasoning behind the students' choices and how they relate to the characteristics of the Surrealism movement. (5 - 7 minutes)

Activity 2: "Dreamscape" Digital Artwork

1. Introduction (5 - 7 minutes): Following the Surrealist theme of exploring the subconscious mind and dreamscapes, the teacher will introduce the second activity: creating a Surrealist digital artwork. The teacher will explain that surrealists often portrayed their dreams and thoughts in their artwork, and the students will be doing the same. The teacher will present the materials required for this activity: tablets or computers, drawing apps or software, and a stylus or mouse. (3 - 5 minutes)

2. Activity (15 - 20 minutes): The students will work individually, using the digital tools to create a dreamlike, surreal scene. They will be encouraged to use the various features of the drawing app or software, such as layers and different brushes, to create depth and detail in their artwork. The teacher will move around the classroom, providing technical assistance, and encouraging the students to think about what they are trying to express in their artwork. (10 - 15 minutes)

3. Presentation (5 - 7 minutes): After completing their digital artworks, the students will have the opportunity to explain their art to the class, much like an artist explaining their work in a gallery. They will discuss the elements they included, the techniques they used, and the story or emotion their artwork represents. The teacher will facilitate the discussion, asking questions about the students' creative process and how they incorporated the characteristics of Surrealism into their artwork. (5 - 7 minutes)

These hands-on, collaborative activities will allow students to not only understand the characteristics of Surrealism but also experience the creative process and challenges faced by Surrealist artists. The activities are designed to be engaging, fun, and educational, fostering creativity and critical thinking among the students.

Feedback (10 - 15 minutes)

1. Group Discussion (5 - 7 minutes): The teacher will lead a group discussion where each group will have the opportunity to share their solutions or conclusions from the activities. This discussion will be guided by the teacher, who will ask each group to explain their Surrealist collage or digital artwork, the elements they chose, and the story they intended to tell. The teacher will also ask probing questions to help the group relate their work back to the characteristics of the Surrealism movement. This will provide an opportunity for students to articulate their thoughts and understandings, and for the teacher to assess the students' learning. (3 - 4 minutes per group)

2. Connection to Theory (3 - 5 minutes): After all the groups have presented, the teacher will summarize the key learning points from the activities. They will emphasize how the students' creative work connects with the theoretical concepts of Surrealism that were introduced at the beginning of the lesson. The teacher will point out specific examples from the students' work that illustrate the use of dreamlike imagery, unexpected combinations, and the exploration of the subconscious mind - the defining characteristics of Surrealism. This will help the students see how their hands-on activities have deepened their understanding of the topic. (2 - 3 minutes)

3. Reflection (2 - 3 minutes): Finally, the teacher will encourage students to take a moment to reflect on the day's lesson. They will ask the students to consider the most important concept they learned about Surrealism and the questions they still have. The students will be given a few minutes to think about these questions, and then the teacher will ask for volunteers to share their reflections. This will provide the teacher with valuable feedback about the students' understanding and engagement with the lesson, as well as any areas that may need further clarification or exploration in future lessons. (2 - 3 minutes)

This feedback stage will serve as a crucial part of the learning process, allowing the teacher to assess the students' understanding and application of the Surrealism principles. It will also provide the students with an opportunity to reflect on their learning, reinforcing the key concepts, and encouraging them to continue exploring the topic.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

• Summarizing the Lesson (2 - 3 minutes): The teacher will summarize the main points of the lesson, recapping the definition and key characteristics of Surrealism as an art movement. They will also reiterate the techniques used by Surrealist artists, such as the use of dreamlike imagery, unexpected combinations, and the exploration of the subconscious mind. The teacher will use examples from the students' work to illustrate these points and highlight the connection between theory and practice.

• Linking Theory, Practice, and Applications (1 - 2 minutes): The teacher will explain how the lesson connected theory and practice. They will highlight that the reading and video provided the theoretical basis for understanding Surrealism, while the collage and digital artwork activities allowed the students to apply these concepts in a hands-on, creative way. They will also discuss how the characteristics of Surrealism are not limited to the art world but have also influenced other fields, such as advertising and film, which the students learned in the contextualization part of the lesson.

• Additional Materials (1 minute): The teacher will recommend additional resources for students who wish to delve deeper into the topic. These could include more in-depth readings on Surrealism, documentaries about Surrealist artists, or virtual tours of Surrealism exhibitions. They will also suggest that students continue to explore Surrealism in their own time, perhaps by visiting an art gallery or creating more Surrealist artwork.

• Real-World Relevance (1 - 2 minutes): Finally, the teacher will emphasize the importance of Surrealism in everyday life. They will explain that the Surrealists' exploration of the subconscious mind and their use of unexpected combinations can be seen in many aspects of our culture, from the advertising images that surround us to the special effects in our favorite movies. The teacher will also highlight that the Surrealists' challenge to conventional thinking and their emphasis on individual creativity and expression are values that are still highly regarded in today's society. By understanding Surrealism, the students can gain a deeper appreciation for the art and culture that surrounds them.

This conclusion will serve to reinforce the key concepts of the lesson, connecting them to the students' own work and their understanding of the world around them. It will also provide a clear pathway for students who wish to further explore the topic, helping to foster a lifelong love of learning.