Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Art: Ancient Persia

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 7 minutes)

The Objectives stage is crucial to establish the direction of the lesson and ensure that both the teacher and the students have a clear understanding of what is expected to be achieved. In this section, the objectives are outlined to guide the activities and discussions in the classroom, ensuring that students can effectively apply the prior knowledge acquired about the Art of Ancient Persia. Additionally, this stage serves to motivate students by presenting learning goals clearly and concisely.

Main Objectives:

1. Explore the art and culture of Ancient Persia, focusing on the representation of leaders, architecture, and religious elements.

2. Develop students' ability to analyze and interpret the aesthetic and symbolic characteristics present in Persian art.

3. Stimulate the connection between art and the historical and social contexts of Ancient Persia, promoting a deeper understanding of cultural influence in the region.

Side Objectives:

1. Encourage active participation of students in group discussions to foster communication and collaboration skills.
2. Promote critical thinking by comparing and contrasting different aspects of Persian art with other contemporary cultures.

Introduction

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

The introduction aims to engage students and review prior knowledge about the Art of Ancient Persia, using problem situations that stimulate critical thinking and practical application of the studied content. Additionally, the contextualization seeks to connect the importance of studying Persian art with the contemporary world, increasing students' interest in the subject and showing its historical and cultural relevance.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Imagine you are an artist in the Persian court of the 5th century BC and receive the task of creating a relief for the royal palace that represents the power and influence of your king. What elements and symbols would you use and why?

2. An archaeologist discovers a tomb in Ancient Persia that contains murals depicting scenes of daily life and religious rituals. How can these discoveries help rewrite the history of the region and better understand cultural and religious practices?

Contextualization

Ancient Persia, now Iran, is a region rich in history and culture, where art played a fundamental role in religious, political, and social expression. Interestingly, many elements of Persian art, such as floral details, elegant curves, and vibrant colors, have influenced artistic styles around the world. Additionally, Ancient Persia was a center of cultural exchange, where influences from various parts of the world blended, resulting in truly unique and diverse art.

Development

Duration: (75 - 85 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to apply and deepen their knowledge of Ancient Persian Art through practical and collaborative activities. By working in groups to complete the proposed tasks, students develop research, planning, execution, and presentation skills while creatively exploring the studied themes. This approach not only reinforces learning but also promotes collaboration and creativity, which are essential for artistic education.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Creation of a Persian Mosaic

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Apply knowledge about Persian art in creating an artistic work, developing research, planning, and teamwork skills.

- Description: Students will be divided into groups of up to 5 people and will be tasked with creating a mosaic that represents an aspect of Persian culture, such as the architecture of Persepolis or a scene from daily life. They must choose and describe the motif and materials used for each part of the mosaic, justifying their choices based on the symbolism used in Persian art.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group chooses an aspect of Persian culture to represent in the mosaic.

• Quickly research the chosen theme to understand the symbols and styles of the related Persian art.

• Draw a sketch of the mosaic, planning the arrangement of pieces and colors.

• Cut and prepare the materials to be used in the mosaic (paper, fabric, etc.).

• Assemble the mosaic, following the sketch and the researched information.

• Prepare a brief presentation explaining the chosen theme and the meaning of the elements used in the mosaic, relating them to Persian art.

Activity 2 - Drama in the Persian Court

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore life in the Persian court through theater, promoting an understanding of the customs and social structures of the time.

- Description: In this activity, student groups will create and present a short drama based on situations from life in the Persian court. The setting could be an audience with the king, a religious festival, or a gathering of nobles. They should research protocols, clothing, and typical behaviors of the time to incorporate into their presentations.

- Instructions:

• Divide students into groups of no more than 5 people.

• Each group picks a typical situation from the Persian court to enact.

• Research the historical context and customs of Ancient Persia to ensure accuracy in the reenactment.

• Write a short script for the chosen scene.

• Prepare the costumes and props needed.

• Rehearse the scene.

• Present the drama to the class, followed by a brief discussion about what they learned during the research and enactment process.

Activity 3 - Builders of Persepolis

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand the importance of architecture in Persian culture and develop planning and construction skills.

- Description: Students, in groups, will take on the role of architects and engineers of Ancient Persia. They must design and build, using available materials in the classroom, a miniature of a Persian architectural structure, such as a portal or a temple. The project must include detailed plans and a presentation explaining the significance of the building in Persian culture.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group chooses a Persian monument or architectural structure to reproduce in miniature.

• Research the chosen monument and its significance in Ancient Persia.

• Design the model, drawing sketches and making detailed plans.

• Gather materials such as cardboard, sticks, glue, and other art and recycling materials.

• Build the miniature monument.

• Prepare a presentation explaining the chosen monument and the details of its construction.

Feedback

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning, allowing students to articulate what they learned and how they applied the concepts of Ancient Persian Art. The group discussion helps develop communication and argumentation skills and offers an opportunity for critical reflection on the importance of art in understanding different cultures and historical periods. This moment also serves for the teacher to evaluate the understanding of the students and clarify any remaining doubts.

Group Discussion

After completing the activities, organize a large discussion circle with all students to share the discoveries and experiences of each group. Start the discussion with a brief introduction, explaining the importance of reflecting on the different perspectives and approaches that each group brought to the lesson. Then invite each group to present a summary of their project and discuss the challenges faced, creative solutions, and what surprised them most during the process of creation and research.

Key Questions

1. What were the main elements of Persian art that you used in your projects and why did you choose those elements?

2. How did Persian art influence your thinking and creativity while carrying out the activities?

3. In what way have the themes studied about Ancient Persia altered or reinforced your perception of the culture and history of the region?

Conclusion

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion is to reinforce and synthesize the lessons learned in the class, linking practical activities with prior theoretical knowledge and highlighting the importance of the Art of Ancient Persia in the broader context of world culture. This stage allows students to consolidate what they learned, connecting the content to practical and theoretical applications, and to recognize the relevance of the theme in their cultural and educational formation.

Summary

To wrap up, the teacher should summarize the most relevant aspects covered about the Art of Ancient Persia, highlighting representations of leaders, Persian architecture, and religious influences on artistic creations. It is important to recall the techniques, styles, and symbolic elements discussed, so that students can consolidate the acquired knowledge.

Theory Connection

During the lesson, students were able to experience the theory studied through practices such as the creation of a Persian mosaic, the enactment of a drama in the Persian court, and the construction of miniatures of architectural structures. These activities not only illustrated theoretical concepts but also allowed for the direct application of knowledge in creative and collaborative contexts, facilitating understanding and retention of learning.

Closing

Finally, it is essential to highlight the relevance of the Art of Ancient Persia in understanding the cultural and historical roots of Persian civilization, and how this knowledge connects with the contemporary world. Understanding and valuing these cultural heritages enriches students' perspectives on cultural diversity and the influence of different artistic expressions throughout history.