Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Art: Ancient Rome

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 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is crucial to establish the learning goals of the class and guide subsequent activities. By clearly defining what is expected to be achieved, students can direct their pre-study efforts and classroom participation to meet these expectations. This section also serves to align the expectations of the teacher and students, ensuring that time in the classroom is productively used to deepen knowledge and apply previously studied concepts.

Main Objectives:

1. Analyze and discuss the characteristics of Roman art, focusing on mythological and imperial representations.

2. Explore the influence of Roman art on contemporary Western culture and society.

Side Objectives:

1. Develop critical skills of analysis and comparison between ancient and contemporary art.

Introduction

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The Introduction stage is essential for engaging students and activating the prior knowledge acquired. By presenting problem situations, it encourages the application of studied concepts in a critical and analytical manner. The contextualization, in turn, seeks to connect Roman art with the real world, increasing students' interest in the topic and highlighting the ongoing relevance of ancient art in modern contexts.

Problem-Based Situations

1. How does the sculpture 'Augustus of Prima Porta' reflect the cultural and political values of Ancient Rome, and how do these values persist in contemporary forms of leader representation?

2. Analyze the influence of Roman mythology on the mosaic art found in Roman villas. How does this influence manifest in modern works of art or elements of pop culture?

Contextualization

Roman art is not just an impressive visual expression; it serves as a reflection of the values, beliefs, and power systems of Roman society. Interestingly, many of these characteristics, such as the idealization of political figures and the use of mythological themes, continue to be striking influences in contemporary Western art and culture. For example, the recurrence of Roman themes in films like 'Gladiator' and 'Spartacus,' or in fashion with references to togas and sandals, demonstrates the lasting impact of Roman art.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to practically and creatively apply the knowledge gained about Roman art. Through playful and collaborative activities, they will be able to explore in depth the themes discussed in the pre-study stage. This approach not only reinforces learning but also develops teamwork skills, critical thinking, and artistic expression.

Activity Suggestions

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

Activity 1 - Modern Mosaics: Recreating Roman Art

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Artistically recreate an aspect of Roman art, fostering an understanding of the techniques and meanings of mosaics from that era.

- Description: In this activity, students will be divided into groups of up to five people and will have the task of creating a mosaic that represents a story or myth from Ancient Rome, but using modern or contemporary elements. They will use small pieces of colored paper, glue, and a cardboard base to compose the work.

- Instructions:

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

• Distribute the necessary materials: colored paper, glue, and cardboard base.

• Each group selects a Roman story or myth to base their mosaic on.

• Students must quickly research details of the chosen myth to ensure historical accuracy.

• Using the mosaic technique, students will create their work on the cardboard base.

• At the end, each group will present their mosaic to the class, explaining their theme choice and the modern elements used.

Activity 2 - Paper Emperors: An Exhibition of Power

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand and visually represent the power and influence of Roman emperors, as well as develop manual and creative skills.

- Description: Students, organized into groups, will create statues of Roman emperors using only paper. The idea is for each group to represent a specific aspect of the emperor's personality or actions, highlighting the symbolism of power and governance.

- Instructions:

• Form groups of up to five students.

• Provide each group with sheets of paper, scissors, and glue.

• Each group chooses a Roman emperor to represent.

• Students must discuss and plan how they will represent the emperor and their deeds in their paper statue.

• Groups begin constructing the statues using the sheets of paper as raw material.

• At the end, each group presents their statue and explains their representation choices and the history behind the chosen emperor.

Activity 3 - Gods and Heroes on Screen: A Mosaic Film

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Explore Roman mythology through artistic creation, promoting an understanding of important narratives and characters in Roman culture.

- Description: In this activity, students will create small mosaics that, when combined, will form a large scene representing Roman mythology. Each group will be responsible for a specific panel of the scene that will be assembled at the end of the class.

- Instructions:

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

• Provide each group with small squares of colored paper and glue.

• Each group chooses a character or scene from Roman mythology to represent in their mosaic.

• Groups create their individual mosaics.

• At the end of the activity, the individual mosaics are combined to form a large scene of Roman mythology.

• Each group presents their panel and explains their theme choice and the meaning of the elements used.

Feedback

Duration: (15 - 20 minutes)

This Return stage is fundamental for consolidating learning, allowing students to articulate what they have learned and how they applied that knowledge. Through group discussion, students have the opportunity to verbalize their discoveries and hear their peers' perspectives, which can offer new insights. Additionally, the key questions help students reflect critically on the content, ensuring a deeper and more lasting understanding.

Group Discussion

At the end of the practical activities, organize a group discussion with all students so they can share their discoveries and experiences. Start the discussion with a brief introduction about the importance of reflecting on the learning process and how practical activities helped consolidate theoretical knowledge about Roman art. Suggest that each group presents a summary of what they created and discuss how their artistic choices reflect the historical and cultural context of Ancient Rome.

Key Questions

1. What were the biggest challenges in trying to represent elements of Roman art using contemporary materials and techniques?

2. How does the Roman mythology observed in the mosaic art or paper sculpture connect with modern representations of Roman mythology?

3. In what ways can understanding Roman art enrich our appreciation of contemporary art and culture?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this Conclusion stage is to ensure that students have a clear and integrated view of the content covered during the lesson. By summarizing and recapping, learning is reinforced while discussion about the interconnection between theory and practice and the ongoing relevance of Roman art highlights the importance of the topic. This moment also serves to close the lesson in a cohesive and reflective manner, ensuring that students can take away a consolidated understanding and a renewed appreciation for Roman art.

Summary

At this final moment of class, it is essential to summarize and recapitulate the main points discussed about Roman art, from its techniques to its mythological and political influences. Students were able to explore these aspects both theoretically - with the pre-study - and practically, through the artistic recreation activities. This summary helps to consolidate acquired knowledge.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson effectively connected theory with practice, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical activities such as creating mosaics and paper sculptures. This not only reinforced learning but also demonstrated how Roman art continues to influence and be relevant in contemporary culture.

Closing

Finally, it is important to highlight that understanding Roman art is not limited to the past but has significant implications for how we perceive art and culture today. The ability to recognize these influences enriches our appreciation of the complexity and persistence of artistic culture over time.