LESSON PLAN

THE ARTIST: Creative Activism

Students will learn the power of visual storytelling by exercising their artistic skills through creative expression, igniting critical consciousness.

Benefits

  • Engage with a piece of media.
  • Consider and take different perspectives. 
  • Collaborate with peers.
  • Practice artistic expression.
  • Practice reflective writing skills.
  • Generate creative group brainstorm.
  • Critically evaluate social issues.
  • Exercise presentation and communication skills.
  • Engage with the ecosystem of a social issue and apply learning to one’s own community.

This lesson plan aligns with Global Competency standards, including:

Global Competence Assessment  – PISA

Global competence is the capacity to analyze global and intercultural issues critically and from multiple perspectives, to understand how differences affect perceptions, judgments, and ideas of self and others, and to engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions with others from different backgrounds on the basis of a shared respect for human dignity.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge and understanding of global issues
  • Intercultural knowledge and understanding
  • Analytical and critical thinking

Skills

  • Ability to interact respectfully, appropriately and effectively
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility

Attitudes

  • Openness towards people from other cultures
  • Respect for cultural otherness
  • Global-mindedness
  • Responsibility

Global Competence – Asia Society, Center for Global Education

  1. Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, framing significant problems and conducting well-crafted and age-appropriate research.
  2. Recognize perspectives, others’ and their own, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully.
  3. Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers.
  4. Take action to improve conditions, viewing themselves as players in the world and participating reflectively.

This lesson plan aligns with these Common Core standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

This lesson plan aligns with the International Baccalaureate focus and subjects.

International Baccalaureate Programme

The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish. The programmes focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.

Middle Years Programme 11-16 years (MYP)

The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Subject groups:

  • Language and Literature
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Arts
  • Language Acquisition
  • Science
  • Physical and Health Education

Diploma Programme 16-19 years (DP)

The DP aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to:

  • Reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge
  • Consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.
  • Be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge
  • Recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Subject groups:

  • Individuals and Societies
  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • The Arts (Film, Visual Arts)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science)

Career-related Programme 16-19 years (CP)

The CP enables students to:

  • Follow their chosen education and career pathways in life
  • Combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills
  • Engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community
  • Think critically and creatively
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations
  • Work independently and in collaboration with others
  • Consider new perspectives and other points of view
  • Develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Demonstrate high levels of resilience and flexibility
  • Be internationally-minded and globally aware
  • Apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations

STEP 1: INSPIRATION Art for social justice

Begin with a discussion of art for social justice:

This lesson plan aligns with Global Competency standards, including:

Global Competence Assessment  – PISA

Global competence is the capacity to analyze global and intercultural issues critically and from multiple perspectives, to understand how differences affect perceptions, judgments, and ideas of self and others, and to engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions with others from different backgrounds on the basis of a shared respect for human dignity.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge and understanding of global issues
  • Intercultural knowledge and understanding
  • Analytical and critical thinking

Skills

  • Ability to interact respectfully, appropriately and effectively
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility

Attitudes

  • Openness towards people from other cultures
  • Respect for cultural otherness
  • Global-mindedness
  • Responsibility

Global Competence – Asia Society, Center for Global Education

  1. Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, framing significant problems and conducting well-crafted and age-appropriate research.
  2. Recognize perspectives, others’ and their own, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully.
  3. Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers.
  4. Take action to improve conditions, viewing themselves as players in the world and participating reflectively.

This lesson plan aligns with these Common Core standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

This lesson plan aligns with the International Baccalaureate focus and subjects.

International Baccalaureate Programme

The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish. The programmes focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.

Middle Years Programme 11-16 years (MYP)

The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Subject groups:

  • Language and Literature
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Arts
  • Language Acquisition
  • Science
  • Physical and Health Education

Diploma Programme 16-19 years (DP)

The DP aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to:

  • Reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge
  • Consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.
  • Be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge
  • Recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Subject groups:

  • Individuals and Societies
  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • The Arts (Film, Visual Arts)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science)

Career-related Programme 16-19 years (CP)

The CP enables students to:

  • Follow their chosen education and career pathways in life
  • Combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills
  • Engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community
  • Think critically and creatively
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations
  • Work independently and in collaboration with others
  • Consider new perspectives and other points of view
  • Develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Demonstrate high levels of resilience and flexibility
  • Be internationally-minded and globally aware
  • Apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations

What does social justice mean to you? A few working definitions include: 

Social justice is the view that everyone deserves equal economic, political and social rights and opportunities.- National Association of Social workers 

Social justice is a communal effort dedicated to creating and sustaining a fair and equal society in which each person and all groups are valued and affirmed. -John Lewis]

What is the primary use of art? [decoration, creative expression, social commentary? political descent?]

STEP 2: EMPATHY How does it feel?

Prior to viewing the films, introduce the SIFT Worksheet. This is a graphic organizer designed to help students keep track of their reactions while viewing the films. Using the worksheet during the film viewing, ask students to notice and record any physical SENSATIONS, any IMAGES that are particularly evocative, any FEELINGS that they experience, and any THOUGHTS that occur to them. Be sure to supply one worksheet per film for each student. 

This lesson plan aligns with Global Competency standards, including:

Global Competence Assessment  – PISA

Global competence is the capacity to analyze global and intercultural issues critically and from multiple perspectives, to understand how differences affect perceptions, judgments, and ideas of self and others, and to engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions with others from different backgrounds on the basis of a shared respect for human dignity.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge and understanding of global issues
  • Intercultural knowledge and understanding
  • Analytical and critical thinking

Skills

  • Ability to interact respectfully, appropriately and effectively
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility

Attitudes

  • Openness towards people from other cultures
  • Respect for cultural otherness
  • Global-mindedness
  • Responsibility

Global Competence – Asia Society, Center for Global Education

  1. Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, framing significant problems and conducting well-crafted and age-appropriate research.
  2. Recognize perspectives, others’ and their own, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully.
  3. Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers.
  4. Take action to improve conditions, viewing themselves as players in the world and participating reflectively.

This lesson plan aligns with these Common Core standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

This lesson plan aligns with the International Baccalaureate focus and subjects.

International Baccalaureate Programme

The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish. The programmes focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.

Middle Years Programme 11-16 years (MYP)

The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Subject groups:

  • Language and Literature
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Arts
  • Language Acquisition
  • Science
  • Physical and Health Education

Diploma Programme 16-19 years (DP)

The DP aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to:

  • Reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge
  • Consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.
  • Be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge
  • Recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Subject groups:

  • Individuals and Societies
  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • The Arts (Film, Visual Arts)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science)

Career-related Programme 16-19 years (CP)

The CP enables students to:

  • Follow their chosen education and career pathways in life
  • Combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills
  • Engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community
  • Think critically and creatively
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations
  • Work independently and in collaboration with others
  • Consider new perspectives and other points of view
  • Develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Demonstrate high levels of resilience and flexibility
  • Be internationally-minded and globally aware
  • Apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations

In addition, ask your students to write down any thoughts and questions they had while watching the films.

Screen the film(s). After watching each film, allow time for students to discuss their reactions either as a class or in small groups. 

Hint: This reflection is a critical step in learning from the film as it allows an opportunity for participants to make an emotional connection to the issues through the storytelling.

STEP 3: CRITICAL THINKING How might you use art?

Begin a class discussion by offering a definition of social justice. Ask students to name any social justice issues that are relevant to them,and to their community, be it school, neighborhood or town/city. Use this opportunity to clarify with students what the issues are about, and to understand what they would do to improve or resolve the issue. 

Ask students to form small groups (4-6 students) based on the social justice issue that is of most interest to them. In their groups, students come up with an idea for an art installation (or performance) that makes a statement about their chosen issue. 

Present several art forms for inspiration:

Once the concept takes shape, students create an action plan to implement the project in their community. Included in their plan should be:

  • full description of the installation
  • project timeline including an associated events and when it will be taken down,
  • specific role for each group member with tasks and deadlines,
  • identified location for the installation with permissions granted,
  • list of resources and materials needed, and where they will be acquired.

Ask groups to write an artist’s statement describing their art installation, the motive behind it and what they hope viewers will learn from the piece.

Hint: Consider in advance whether you wish to include environmental justice issues in this project. Consider connecting their projects with other events happening at school, or a celebration of one of the UN social justice days.

This lesson plan aligns with Global Competency standards, including:

Global Competence Assessment  – PISA

Global competence is the capacity to analyze global and intercultural issues critically and from multiple perspectives, to understand how differences affect perceptions, judgments, and ideas of self and others, and to engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions with others from different backgrounds on the basis of a shared respect for human dignity.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge and understanding of global issues
  • Intercultural knowledge and understanding
  • Analytical and critical thinking

Skills

  • Ability to interact respectfully, appropriately and effectively
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility

Attitudes

  • Openness towards people from other cultures
  • Respect for cultural otherness
  • Global-mindedness
  • Responsibility

Global Competence – Asia Society, Center for Global Education

  1. Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, framing significant problems and conducting well-crafted and age-appropriate research.
  2. Recognize perspectives, others’ and their own, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully.
  3. Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers.
  4. Take action to improve conditions, viewing themselves as players in the world and participating reflectively.

This lesson plan aligns with these Common Core standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

This lesson plan aligns with the International Baccalaureate focus and subjects.

International Baccalaureate Programme

The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish. The programmes focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.

Middle Years Programme 11-16 years (MYP)

The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Subject groups:

  • Language and Literature
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Arts
  • Language Acquisition
  • Science
  • Physical and Health Education

Diploma Programme 16-19 years (DP)

The DP aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to:

  • Reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge
  • Consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.
  • Be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge
  • Recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Subject groups:

  • Individuals and Societies
  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • The Arts (Film, Visual Arts)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science)

Career-related Programme 16-19 years (CP)

The CP enables students to:

  • Follow their chosen education and career pathways in life
  • Combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills
  • Engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community
  • Think critically and creatively
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations
  • Work independently and in collaboration with others
  • Consider new perspectives and other points of view
  • Develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Demonstrate high levels of resilience and flexibility
  • Be internationally-minded and globally aware
  • Apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations

STEP 4: COLLECTIVE ACTION Share your genius

Students present their art installation, artist statement, and concept to the class. Consider filming these installations and/or performances for social media exposure and to amplify student voices.

This lesson plan aligns with Global Competency standards, including:

Global Competence Assessment  – PISA

Global competence is the capacity to analyze global and intercultural issues critically and from multiple perspectives, to understand how differences affect perceptions, judgments, and ideas of self and others, and to engage in open, appropriate and effective interactions with others from different backgrounds on the basis of a shared respect for human dignity.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge and understanding of global issues
  • Intercultural knowledge and understanding
  • Analytical and critical thinking

Skills

  • Ability to interact respectfully, appropriately and effectively
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility

Attitudes

  • Openness towards people from other cultures
  • Respect for cultural otherness
  • Global-mindedness
  • Responsibility

Global Competence – Asia Society, Center for Global Education

  1. Investigate the world beyond their immediate environment, framing significant problems and conducting well-crafted and age-appropriate research.
  2. Recognize perspectives, others’ and their own, articulating and explaining such perspectives thoughtfully and respectfully.
  3. Communicate ideas effectively with diverse audiences, bridging geographic, linguistic, ideological, and cultural barriers.
  4. Take action to improve conditions, viewing themselves as players in the world and participating reflectively.

This lesson plan aligns with these Common Core standards:

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5: Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.3: Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.5: Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.5: Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

This lesson plan aligns with the International Baccalaureate focus and subjects.

International Baccalaureate Programme

The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish. The programmes focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, and how to inquire with care and logic.

Middle Years Programme 11-16 years (MYP)

The MYP aims to develop active learners and internationally minded young people who can empathize with others and pursue lives of purpose and meaning. The programme empowers students to inquire into a wide range of issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally. The result is young people who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers.

Subject groups:

  • Language and Literature
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Arts
  • Language Acquisition
  • Science
  • Physical and Health Education

Diploma Programme 16-19 years (DP)

The DP aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. It offers students and their teachers the opportunity to:

  • Reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge
  • Consider the role and nature of knowledge in their own culture, in the cultures of others and in the wider world.
  • Be aware of themselves as thinkers, encouraging them to become more acquainted with the complexity of knowledge
  • Recognize the need to act responsibly in an increasingly interconnected but uncertain world.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge.

Subject groups:

  • Individuals and Societies
  • Studies in Language and Literature
  • The Arts (Film, Visual Arts)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology, Sports, Exercise and Health Science)

Career-related Programme 16-19 years (CP)

The CP enables students to:

  • Follow their chosen education and career pathways in life
  • Combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills
  • Engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community
  • Think critically and creatively
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations
  • Work independently and in collaboration with others
  • Consider new perspectives and other points of view
  • Develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness
  • Demonstrate high levels of resilience and flexibility
  • Be internationally-minded and globally aware
  • Apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations

Duration

This lesson plan requires one class period for discussion and viewing, and an additional class period for group project planning. Any additional time depends on the scope of the art installations planned by student groups.

Preparation

Select 1-4 films related to uprising and to art as a tool for change. When curating the films,  check the SIMA Art for Good Spotlight or use “uprising” on the thematic search. You’ll find bold and beautiful titles such as:

Prepare for a discussion on the forms of protest seen in the film(s): guidelines for peaceful protest and the difference between free speech and hate speech. Educators may wish to familiarize themselves with their region’s legal rights to protest and speak out, for example the ACLU articulates rights in the United States. Consider what your goals are and how you would like to inform and empower students with this lesson.

Bonus Option

Students work together to create and install their art piece in their school or community, making sure to get all the requisite permission. If possible, install the art in public places so that the community can participate and enjoy. Invite a local reporter to document the pop-up art gallery.

Last but not least: Apply for the SIMA Changemaker Award

Apply here. Applications close November 15 every year, winners are announced November 29. Rolling submissions!