Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: carry out in-depth research into images and resources referencing cultural, social and local contexts
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe key elements of three‑dimensional design and their relationship to context.
  • Analyse cultural, social and local influences on 3D artworks.
  • Conduct and organise contextual research using visual resources, interviews and site visits.
  • Apply research findings to develop a design brief and justify material and form choices.
  • Evaluate a finished 3D piece against its researched contextual criteria.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed research worksheet / journal template
  • Access to online museum databases (e.g., British Museum Collections)
  • Sketchbooks and drawing pencils
  • Cardboard, clay, or other modelling materials
  • Camera or smartphone for field documentation
  • Sticky notes and poster board for context collages
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video montage of public sculptures from around the world that reflect cultural stories and community issues. Ask students to recall recent 3‑D projects and identify any contextual references they used. Explain that today they will deepen their research skills to link cultural, social and local contexts directly to design decisions. Success will be measured by a well‑structured research journal and a prototype that clearly references those contexts.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students view selected images and note visible cultural symbols.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review 3D design elements and the three research categories (cultural, social, local).
  3. Research stations (20'): Groups rotate through digital archives, interview clips, and local material samples, recording findings in journals.
  4. Mood‑board creation (15'): Compile images, texts and material swatches onto poster board, highlighting recurring motifs.
  5. Design sketching (15'): Develop 3D studies that justify form, material and scale based on research.
  6. Reflection & peer feedback (10'): Present mood boards and sketches, receive feedback on contextual relevance, and note next steps.
Conclusion:
Summarise how each design choice must be rooted in the cultural, social and local research gathered today. For the exit ticket, students write one concrete way they will incorporate a specific contextual element into their final prototype. Assign homework to visit a local site, photograph three objects, and add observations to their research journal.