Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Art and Design
Lesson Topic: carry out in-depth research into artists, designers and cultural influences to inform ideas
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how to evaluate sources for authority, accuracy, bias and currency.
  • Analyse visual techniques and cultural influences of selected artists and designers.
  • Synthesise research findings into a clear concept statement and visual plan.
  • Apply chosen painting or mixed‑media techniques informed by research.
  • Reflect on the research‑development process using a structured portfolio.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Laptops/tablets with internet access
  • Research log worksheets
  • Printed artist reference sheets / handouts
  • Sketchbooks and drawing pencils
  • Paints (acrylic, oil) and mixed‑media supplies
  • Colour swatch cards
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick visual montage of diverse artworks and ask students what they notice about colour and cultural symbols. Recall previous lessons on basic painting techniques and how research can deepen visual ideas. Today they will investigate artists, designers and cultural traditions, producing a research‑driven concept statement and thumbnail sketches as evidence of meeting the success criteria.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): View a 2‑minute video of contrasting artworks and note initial observations in the research journal.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain formulating research questions, selecting sources, and evaluating them (authority, accuracy, bias, currency).
  3. Guided research (15'): In pairs, locate information on an assigned artist/designer and record key points in the log.
  4. Critical evaluation (10'): Groups discuss the credibility of their sources using a checklist.
  5. Ideation workshop (15'): Whole‑class mind‑map linking motifs, colour schemes and cultural influences; begin thumbnail sketches.
  6. Technique demo (10'): Demonstrate a specific brushwork or colour‑mixing method from one studied artist; students try a quick trial.
  7. Concept statement writing (10'): Individually write a brief statement linking research to the intended artwork.
  8. Plenary & reflection (5'): Share one insight; exit ticket – list the next step for the final project.
Conclusion:
Summarise how systematic research informs artistic decisions and how today’s mind‑map and sketches translate those ideas into practice. For the exit ticket, each student records one concrete action they will take in their final artwork. Homework: complete a five‑page annotated bibliography and develop three refined thumbnails.