LESSON #2
Research and Exploration
Description
In this lesson students will research a particular conflict of their choosing. The aim of this lesson is to raise the student’s awareness and promote empathy for the people involved in particular global, national and international conflicts. Students will not only investigate how the conflict began, but who is involved, what are the consequences or results, and what can be done about this conflict. Students will complete a worksheet to guide their research process. This worksheet includes a magazine “found text” title/poetry exercise to broaden the possibilities and push students beyond caption like explanations for their ideas and artworks. This research will prepare students to create a two-part artwork raising awareness and promoting resolution.
Objectives
Materials and Preparations
Procedures
Day 3-4:
Closure
For homework student will complete the research worksheet including the “found text” captions or headings for their conflict. Teacher will explain how this research is going to translate to the visual portion of their project.
Assessments
In this lesson students will research a particular conflict of their choosing. The aim of this lesson is to raise the student’s awareness and promote empathy for the people involved in particular global, national and international conflicts. Students will not only investigate how the conflict began, but who is involved, what are the consequences or results, and what can be done about this conflict. Students will complete a worksheet to guide their research process. This worksheet includes a magazine “found text” title/poetry exercise to broaden the possibilities and push students beyond caption like explanations for their ideas and artworks. This research will prepare students to create a two-part artwork raising awareness and promoting resolution.
Objectives
- Students will learn about and gather information relating to a particular global or local conflict that they were not previously aware of.
- Students will analyze the information they’ve gathered to identify particular points of view or bias.
- Students will develop their own point of view on the particular issue of conflict.
- Students will determine what is needed to improve the situation and resolve the conflict.
Materials and Preparations
- Access to computer lab with internet and printer; enough computers for students to do individual research.
- Research worksheet (see Educational Resources page)
Procedures
Day 3-4:
- Teacher will review the works of Shephard Fairy, Barbara Kruger, Tina Modotti and Banksy as a visual introduction to the general criteria for the production assignment (specific details will be discussed in Lesson #3).
- Students will use their Conflict Brainstorming Worksheet and the articles they prepared for homework as a starting point for gathering research for their production project.
- Students will start by sharing their list of conflicts with the group to create a large list of possible starting points. Students will also share with their table the examples they found from recent newspapers, magazine and/or online articles. Teacher will monitor sharing time to informally assess what students have learned about this theme. Students will select a particular issue of conflict to research. The intention of this lesson is to raise awareness and for students to develop their own points of view on particular issues.
- While in the computer lab, students will research causes of the conflict, who is involved, as well as methods to bring resolution to their conflict. They will collect images and find information on existing organizations that aim to help this cause or figure out what can be done by individuals to improve the situation.
- Students will answer the questions provided on the Research: Awareness and Resolution worksheet (see Resource page).
Closure
For homework student will complete the research worksheet including the “found text” captions or headings for their conflict. Teacher will explain how this research is going to translate to the visual portion of their project.
Assessments
- Formative Assessment:The teacher will monitor students’ research to make sure they are staying on track and finding what they need to complete the assignment. Students are mostly working independently so teacher will make a point to check in with each student 1-2 times per period.
- Summative Assessment: The worksheet provided will focus the student’s on finding the necessary information. Completion of the worksheet will demonstrate clear understanding of the specific conflict and the student’s critical thinking skills.