Events & Activities

 

Hands On: Picturing Arizona

Grade: 4
Length of program: 1 hour

Requirements

Screen or blank white wall in a room that can be darkened; glue sticks and scissors for all students

Restrictions: Maximum 30 students/presentation (consecutive classes may be scheduled)

Program Description


This program enhances the Arizona history curriculum with an exploration of history, geography and diversity of the state through artists’ eyes. Students learn the art concepts of contour, color, contrast, realism and abstraction. The program begins with a visual presentation/discussion followed by a hands-on activity to create cut-paper collage interpretations of Arizona. School must provide scissors and glue sticks for each student; all other materials are provided.

Goals

  • Identify motifs common to the representation of the Southwest region
  • Identify, understand and employ at concepts such as realism and abstraction
  • Express contemporary values and experience of Arizona

Rationale

The visual arts document human experiences and values. Viewing and creating visual images deepens understanding of history and the genesis of contemporary values and opinions.

Topics

  • How art reflects historical, cultural and conditions of life during the time the artist created it
  • The evolving styles and changing subjects of art throughout Arizona history
  • Definitions of art terms such as realism, idealism and abstraction
  • The power of visual arts to communicate ideas, events and the characteristics of the past

Arizona Education Standards

Visual Arts Standards
Strand 1: Create
Concept #2 Materials, Tools, Techniques (PO 002, PO 202)
Concept #4 Meanings & Purposes (PO 001, PO 101)
Concept #5 Quality (PO 001)

Strand 2: Relate
Concept #1 Artworlds (PO 001, PO 002, PO 103, PO 105, PO 206),
Concept #2 Materials, Tools, Techniques (PO 102, PO 203)
Concept #3 Elements & Principles (PO 001)
Concept #4 Meanings & Purposes (PO 001, PO 102, PO 203)
Concept #5 Quality (PO 001, PO 203)

Strand 3: Evaluate
Concept #1 Art Issues and Values (PO 001), PO 003)
Concept #3 Elements & Principles (PO 001)
Concept #4 Meanings & Purposes (PO 001)
Concept #5 Quality (PO 001)

Social Studies Standards
Strand 1 American History
Concept 5 Westward Expansion Grade 4 (PO 2, PO 4)

Language Arts Standards
Grades 4 – 12
VP-E1 Analyze visual media for language, subject matter and visual techniques