Family Tree:

Through Myths and Symbols

A Lesson by Jennifer Baldvins Designed for 7th grade Using mixed media December 2012

Lara Cazenave, Abstract Tree, Acrylic on Canvas

Introductory Information
Lesson Title: Family Tree: Through Myths and Symbols Grade Level: Seventh Class Size: 20-25 Length of Lesson: 45 minutes, 6 classes Lesson Topic and Description: In this lesson, students will explore the concept of family and design and create a meaningful art piece using time constraints. Students will learn about the use of trees in mythology, the history of family trees, and various examples of trees in art. Students will propose a family tree art piece that uses symbolism by creating a sketch and writing a paragraph. The proposed piece will need to be completed in three classes. Students will be allowed to choose their own medium for the project, this could include paint, markers, collage, wire, clay or other materials. Students will be asked to think about questions such as: What is a family? What do I want my tree to represent? How do I want to incorporate symbols? What materials do I enjoy working with?

Unknown, Illustrated genealogy of the Kings of England to Edward the I, circa 1300.

STAGE 1: DESIRED RESULTS

A. ENDURING UNDERSTANDING: There are many definitions for family. Symbols can be used to convey ideas and emotions. Artists represent the same ideas and images in many different ways.

B. ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS: What is a symbol? How can a family tree be represented in different ways?

C. STATE STANDARDS ADDRESSED:

Learning Standard 1: Methods, Materials, and Techniques. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the methods, materials, and techniques unique to the visual arts.

Learning Standard 3: Observation, Abstraction, Invention, and Expression. Students will demonstrate their powers of observation, abstraction, invention, and expression in a variety of media, materials, and techniques. Learning Standard 10: Interdisciplinary Connections. Students will apply their knowledge of the arts to the study of English language arts, foreign languages, health, history and social science, mathematics, and science and technology/engineering. D. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: The students will learn different mythologies involving trees. The students will learn the basic history of family trees. The students will discuss different artistic interpretations of trees. The students will create a project idea using sketches and writing. The students will plan out what materials they need to make their project. The students will present their work and discuss its meaning.

STAGE 2: ASSESSMENT EVIDENCE

A. PERFORMANCE TASK OR FINAL PRODUCT: The final product can take many different forms but will be complete and represent family, trees and include use of symbolism. The sketches and writing produced by the student should be manifested in the final product. The work should demonstrate introspection by the student and successful use of time. The work should demonstrate good knowledge about and use of materials. B. CONTINUUM OF ASSESSMENTS: Student contribution during discussions and brainstorming. Sketch and short written proposal for the final work. Final work by the student.

Students oral description of the meaning of their piece.

Norman Rockwell, Family Tree Post Cover

C. CRITERIA: Can the students demonstrate knowledge of different mythologies involving trees? Do the students know the basic history of family trees? Did students discuss different artistic interpretations of trees? Did the students create a project idea using sketches and writing? Did the students plan out what materials they needed to make their project? Did the students present their work and discuss its meaning?

STAGE 3: LEARNING PLAN

A. MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT: 25 pencils 25 pieces of 8.5 x 11 white drawing paper 25 Worksheets for writing project proposal Assorted materials such as: Watercolor paint

 Acrylic paint Assorted paper Collage materials Wire Air dry clay Recycled containers and materials Color Pencils Markers Cardboard or card stock Found objects or objects from home B. VOCABULARY WITH DEFINITIONS: Artist's Sketch: A sketch produced by an artist to help them conceptualize or express their intended project. Family: A group that lives together. A group that is genetically linked. A group who are connected through shared beliefs or ideas. Etc. Family Tree: A record of family members and relationships, sometimes artistic in nature. Mixed Media: A technique for making art that includes two or more types of media, such as using watercolor paint and oil pastels. Myth: A traditional story that serves to explain the world view of a people. Symbol: An image that represents something visually.

Unknown artist, The Tree of Jesse; illumination from the Psalter of Queen Ingeborg, illumination, circa 1200

C. VISUAL IMAGE RESOURCES: Cazenave, L. (Unknown). 'Abstract tree' [Acrylic on canvas]. http://www.laracaz.com/painting05.html Kim, M. (2009). Untitled [Helium balloons and oak tree]. www.myeongbeomkim.com/portfolio.html Nichols, B. (1958). 'Tree at Savol' [pen and wash]. Www.artstor.com Rockwell, N. (1959). 'Family tree Post cover' [Oil on canvas]. Www.artstor.com Unknown (circa 1300). 'Illustrated genealogy of the kings of England to Edward the I' [Parchment]. Www.artstor.com Unknown (circa 1200). 'The Tree of Jesse; illumination from the Psalter of Queen Ingeborg' [Illumination]. Www.artstor.com

D. TEXT, MEDIA AND WEB RESOURCES: Buddha Dharma Education Association. (n.d.). Buddhist studies: Primary studentswork units 1-3. Buddhist Studies: Primary Students. Retrieved December 07, 2012, from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/primary.htm Mayan Kids. (n.d.). The world tree, milky way. Mayan Kids. Retrieved December 08, 2012, from http://www.mayankids.com/mmkbeliefs/worldtree.htm Wikipedia. (2012, September 12). Family tree. Wikipedia. Retrieved December 08, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_tree Www.Viking-Mythology.com. (n.d.). Yggdrasil: The tree of life. Www.Viking-

Mythology.com. Retrieved December 07, 12, from http://www.vikingmythology.com/yggdrasil.html

Myeongbeom Kim, Untitled, helium balloons and oak tree, 2009

E. TEACHER INSTRUCTION: Day 1 Teacher will present power point during which: The teacher will introduce three myths about tree, Yggdrasil of Norse mythology, The Bodhi Tree from Buddhism and the Mayan World Tree. The teacher will present definitions of family, and ask the students to share their own ideas about what family can be. Who makes up your family? What other definitions of family can you think of? Is it okay for their to be many different definitions of family? Introduce family trees present some examples. Show various artists' renditions of trees and brainstorm with students how else trees could be represented in art. The teacher will present the assignment and bench marks. Students will be given the remainder of the first class and the second class to think up a project for their own family tree. They must include at least 5 members of their family and choose symbols to represent them. The students much draw sketches, write a one paragraph proposal, and create a material list for a project that they can complete in 3 class periods. They must be prepared to talk about their art work on the sixth and final class of this lesson. Questions for engagement:

 Who or what to you want to represent as your family? What kind of symbols do you want to use? What materials do you like working with? How do you determine how long it takes to make a project? Can you think of any problems you might encounter while making your project? How could you prevent them? Day 2 The teacher reviews lesson with the students. The teacher displays images to help inspire the students. The teacher has one on one meetings with students to make sure that their projects are feasible in terms of materials and time. If need, the teacher helps students revise their projects. The teacher monitors students while they work. The teacher collects artist sketches and written proposals. The teacher allows students to gather their needed materials. The teacher monitors students as they work and helps problem solve as needed. The teacher checks in with each individual student to make sure they are on track. The teacher reviews the assignment and gives the students 5-17 minutes to think about what they want to say about their piece. The teacher assists in displaying the students' art work. The teacher leads an artist walk where each student presents their work. The teacher monitors students as they work for the rest of the lesson.

Day 6

Days 3-5

F. LEARNING ACTIVITY: Day 1-2 Students will examine different myths involving trees. Students will learn about family trees. Students will discuss the meaning of family. Students will draw an artists sketch for their project. Students will write a proposal and material list for their project.

Day 3-5

 Day 6

Students will create their art piece. Students will problem solve and issues they encounter. Students will seek help when necessary. Students will display their artwork for show. Students will discuss the meaning behind their work. Students will ask questions about other student's work.

Ben Nichols, Tree at Savol, pen and wash, 1958