Objectives (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Understand the Diversity of African Art: Students will be able to identify and discuss the vast diversity of art forms found in Africa, including but not limited to masks, sculptures, textiles, and paintings. They will also explore the multiple cultural influences that shape these art forms.

2. Analyzing the Symbolism and Functionality of African Art: Students will learn to analyze and interpret the symbolism and functionality of African art. They will discuss the purposes of various art forms in different African cultures, such as religious rituals, social events, and storytelling.

3. Creating an Original Piece of African-Inspired Art: Students will take what they've learned about African art and create their own original piece that is inspired by the diverse art forms of Africa. They will use various materials and techniques to bring their ideas to life, thereby demonstrating their understanding of the subject matter.

Secondary Objectives:

• Promote Cultural Awareness: By studying African art, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of African cultures. They will develop respect for cultural differences and learn to value the contributions of diverse societies to the global human experience.

• Improve Artistic Skills: Through the hands-on art creation process, students will enhance their artistic skills, including creativity, fine motor skills, and visual-spatial reasoning. They will learn to apply the techniques and styles they've studied in a practical, meaningful way.

Introduction (10 - 12 minutes)

1. Recap of Prior Knowledge: The teacher begins by reminding students of the importance of art in different cultures and societies. They will ask students to recall some of the art forms they have studied in the past, such as European paintings, Asian calligraphy, or Native American pottery. This will help to set the stage for the new topic of African Art and its diversity.

2. Problem Situations: The teacher presents two problem situations to the students.

   • First, the teacher can ask, "Imagine you are an anthropologist visiting a remote African tribe. You stumble upon a beautifully crafted mask. Can you tell me what this mask might be used for and what it might represent in the local culture?"
   • Second, the teacher can ask, "You are a curator in a museum and need to design an exhibit on African Art. How will you showcase the diversity of African Art and explain its cultural significance to the visitors?" These problem situations are designed to engage students' critical thinking and prepare them for the hands-on activity that follows.

3. Real-World Contextualization: The teacher then contextualizes the importance of African Art in the real world. They can mention how African art has influenced and continues to inspire modern artists and designers worldwide, from Picasso's African Period to contemporary African fashion designers. They can also discuss the economic and cultural significance of art tourism in Africa, which contributes to local economies and promotes cultural exchange.

4. Topic Introduction: The teacher introduces the topic of African Art by sharing a few intriguing facts or stories:

   • Story 1: The teacher tells the students about the Benin Bronzes, a collection of intricately designed bronze sculptures from the Kingdom of Benin in modern-day Nigeria. These sculptures were taken by the British during a punitive expedition in the late 19th century and are now scattered in museums around the world. The teacher can discuss the ongoing debate over whether these artworks should be returned to Nigeria, highlighting the complex issues surrounding the ownership and display of African art.
   • Story 2: The teacher shares a story about Ethiopian artist Aida Muluneh, who uses photography to challenge stereotypes about Africa and tell stories of her homeland. The teacher can show a few of Muluneh's photographs, explaining how she incorporates traditional African motifs and colors into her work.

These stories are aimed at capturing the students' interest and sparking their curiosity about African Art. The teacher emphasizes that African Art is not a monolithic entity, but a diverse and dynamic field that reflects the many cultures, histories, and contemporary realities of the African continent.

Development (25 - 30 minutes)

1. Activity 1: African Artifacts Exploration (10 - 12 minutes)

   • Materials: Assorted African art pieces (masks, sculptures, textiles, paintings), magnifying glasses, art history books, worksheets.

   • The teacher divides the students into small groups and distributes a box of assorted African art pieces and a magnifying glass to each group.

   • The students are then instructed to explore the artifacts using the magnifying glasses, paying attention to details such as patterns, materials, and craftsmanship.

   • After exploration, the teacher provides each group with a worksheet that contains a photo of one artifact and a set of questions. These questions will guide the students to describe the artifact, speculate on its use, and consider the cultural context from which it might have originated. The worksheet also includes a space for the students to sketch the artifact.

   • The teacher circulates the room, observing the groups, providing guidance, and answering any questions that may arise.

   • At the end of the activity, the teacher leads a whole-class discussion, encouraging students to share their findings and interpretations. This discussion should highlight the diversity of African Art and the importance of context in understanding an artwork's meaning.

2. Activity 2: Design an African Art Exhibit (8 - 10 minutes)

   • Materials: Large sheets of paper, markers, African art images, information about African cultures and art forms.

   • Building on their artifact exploration, the students are then tasked with designing their own African Art exhibit. Each group is given a large sheet of paper and markers.

   • The students must select one African art piece they've examined and create a display around it. They should use visual elements (drawings, images) and written information to explain the context, symbolism, and function of the chosen artwork.

   • The teacher provides a variety of African art images and information about African cultures and art forms to assist the students in their exhibit design.

   • The teacher moves around the room, offering suggestions, and ensuring that the students are applying their knowledge in a thoughtful and creative way.

   • Once the exhibits are completed, the groups present their displays to the class, explaining the reasoning behind their design choices and the significance of the artwork they've chosen.

3. Activity 3: Creating an African-Inspired Art Piece (7 - 8 minutes)

   • Materials: Assorted art supplies (paint, brushes, clay, fabric, etc.), African art references, worksheets.

   • To conclude the development section, the teacher instructs the students to create their own piece of art inspired by African Art. They can choose their preferred medium and materials from those provided.

   • To guide their creation, the students receive a worksheet with a prompt: "Create a piece of art that reflects what you've learned today about African Art. Consider the diversity, symbolism, and functionality of African Art in your design."

   • The teacher should emphasize that the goal is not to replicate a specific artifact or style, but to use the knowledge gained during the lesson to create something unique that reflects an understanding of African Art's diversity and significance.

   • As the students work on their art pieces, the teacher circulates to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide feedback. The teacher should encourage the students to incorporate elements from different African cultures or art forms into their designs, promoting the idea of diversity and cross-cultural exchange in African Art.

   • At the end of the activity, the students should have a completed art piece that they can take home and reflect upon. This reinforces their learning and provides a tangible connection to the lesson's content.

   • The teacher concludes the development section by expressing appreciation for the students' hard work and creativity, and encourages them to continue exploring and appreciating African Art outside of the classroom.

Feedback (8 - 10 minutes)

1. Group Discussion (3 - 4 minutes)

   • The teacher facilitates a group discussion where each group is given the opportunity to share their solutions or conclusions from the activities. The teacher encourages students to explain their exhibit designs and the thought process behind their African-inspired art pieces.

   • This is an opportunity for students to listen to their peers, learn from their perspectives, and appreciate the diversity of interpretations and creations. The teacher can highlight the different ways students have applied their understanding of African Art, reinforcing the lesson's objectives.

2. Linking Theory to Practice (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher then guides a reflection on how the activities connect with the theoretical aspects of African Art. They can explain how the artifact exploration helped students understand the physical characteristics and symbolism of African Art.

   • The teacher can also highlight how the exhibit design activity allowed students to explore the cultural contexts and functions of African Art. The creation of their own African-inspired art piece further solidified their understanding and allowed for creative expression.

3. Individual Reflection (3 - 4 minutes)

   • Finally, the teacher proposes that students take a moment to reflect individually on what they've learned during the lesson. They can use the following guiding questions to assist their reflection:

     1. What was the most important concept learned today?
     2. Which questions have not yet been answered?
     3. How can you apply what you've learned about African Art in your own artistic practice or cultural understanding?

   • The teacher emphasizes that not all questions need to be answered immediately and that learning is a continuous process. This reflection time allows students to internalize the lesson's content, identify areas for further exploration, and make personal connections with the material.

   • The teacher can also collect these reflections in the form of a short written response or a brief discussion at the beginning of the next class, depending on time constraints and class dynamics. This will provide the teacher with valuable feedback on the effectiveness of the lesson and the students' learning experience.

   • The teacher concludes the feedback stage by thanking the students for their active participation and encouraging them to continue exploring and appreciating art from different cultures, including African Art.

Conclusion (5 - 7 minutes)

1. Summarize and Recap (2 - 3 minutes)

   • The teacher begins the conclusion by summarizing the main points of the lesson. They review the diversity of African Art, its various forms (masks, sculptures, textiles, and paintings), and the cultural influences that shape it.
   • The teacher also recaps the importance of understanding the symbolism and functionality of African Art, and how this knowledge can deepen our appreciation of the art form.
   • The teacher then revisits the activities conducted during the lesson, reminding the students of the artifact exploration, exhibit design, and the creation of their own African-inspired art piece. They underline how these hands-on activities allowed the students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical, meaningful way.

2. Connecting Theory, Practice, and Applications (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher then explains how the lesson connected theory, practice, and real-world applications. They highlight how the theoretical understanding of African Art was applied in the practical activities, and how these activities deepened the students' understanding of the theory.
   • The teacher also mentions how the lesson's content can be applied in real-world contexts, such as in museum curating, art creation, and cultural appreciation. They stress that the skills and knowledge gained during the lesson are not only relevant to the study of African Art but also to the broader study of art and culture.

3. Additional Materials and Future Learning (1 minute)

   • To further enhance the students' understanding and appreciation of African Art, the teacher suggests additional resources for further study. These resources could include books on African Art, documentaries, online museum collections, and websites of contemporary African artists.
   • The teacher also encourages the students to visit local museums or art exhibitions that feature African Art, if possible. They can suggest that the students keep a journal where they can document their observations and reflections on the art they encounter.
   • Lastly, the teacher suggests that the students continue to explore and create their own African-inspired art pieces outside of the classroom. They can share their creations in the next class or in a school-wide art exhibition, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in their learning journey.

4. Relevance to Everyday Life (1 - 2 minutes)

   • The teacher concludes the lesson by discussing the relevance of African Art to everyday life. They remind the students that art is not just a subject, but a way of understanding and appreciating the world around us.
   • They emphasize that by studying African Art, the students have not only learned about a specific art form but also about the cultures, histories, and contemporary realities of the African continent.
   • The teacher can mention how this understanding of diversity and cultural exchange can help the students navigate an increasingly globalized world with empathy, respect, and open-mindedness.
   • Lastly, the teacher thanks the students for their active participation and curiosity, and encourages them to continue exploring and appreciating art from different cultures.