Understanding Media Arts

Lesson Overview

Year Level: Year 6
Subject: Media Arts
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 29 students
Australian Curriculum Reference:

• V9.AMD.6.02: Describes how media arts works created across cultures, times, places and/or other contexts communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning.
• V9.AMD.6.03: Describes how media arts are used to continue and revitalise cultures.

Lesson Objectives

1. Students will examine a range of media arts works from different cultures and historical contexts.
2. Students will describe how these works communicate ideas, perspectives, and meanings.
3. Students will explore how media arts contribute to the continuation and revitalisation of cultures.

Materials and Resources

• Interactive whiteboard
• Projector
• Selection of media arts examples (video clips, images, audio) from Australian Indigenous cultures, Asian cultures, and Western cultures.
• Student art journals
• Activity sheets for reflection
• Colouring materials (markers, pencils)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Overview:

   • Greet the students and introduce the lesson topic: "Understanding the Role of Media Arts Across Cultures and Time."
   • Explain that today they will learn about how media arts communicate ideas and contribute to cultural identity.

2. Hook Activity:

   • Present a short video on the interactive whiteboard showcasing a mix of media arts, including animation and traditional films, from different cultural backgrounds.
   • Ask students to note any ideas or feelings that come to mind as they watch.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Group Exploration (15 minutes):

   • Divide students into small groups of 4-5.
   • Assign each group a specific media arts work to analyse (e.g., an Indigenous Australian digital artwork, a traditional Asian puppet film, a contemporary Western advertisement).
   • Provide each group with an "Analysis Guide" including the following guiding questions:
     • What ideas and messages are communicated through this media work?
     • What cultural elements are present in the work?
     • How does this work contribute to the continuation or revitalisation of its culture?

2. Class Discussion (10 minutes):

   • Reconvene as a class and ask each group to present their findings.
   • Encourage discussion by asking:
     • Did any group find a similar message across different artworks?
     • Why is it important for media arts to reflect cultural identity and history?

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Reflective Activity:

   • Ask students to individually sketch or write in their art journals a media artwork of their own design that reflects their cultural heritage, real or imagined.
   • Encourage them to think about what they want to communicate through their art.

2. Wrap-Up:

   • Summarise the lesson by emphasising the power of media arts in expressing ideas and cultural identity.
   • Invite students to share their thoughts or artwork if they wish.

Assessment

• Formative: Observe student participation during group work and class discussions.
• Summative: Collect students' sketches and journal reflections to assess understanding of how media arts communicate cultural ideas and perspectives.

Differentiation

• For advanced students: Encourage them to identify contemporary issues depicted in media arts pieces and suggest how these can reshape cultural narratives.
• For students needing extra support: Pair them with supportive peers during group work and provide simplified activity sheets.

By creating an interactive and culturally rich lesson, this plan not only meets the Australian Curriculum standards but also engages Year 6 students in understanding the importance and impact of media arts across various contexts.