Exploring Local Themes

Overview

This 60-minute lesson engages Grade 9 Visual Arts students in the exploration of local to global themes through creative design. Students will investigate how artwork reflects human needs, values, beliefs, and experiences, specifically focusing on themes relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador communities. The lesson follows the Newfoundland and Labrador Visual Arts 9 curriculum within the strand of DESIGN, targeting Design 8: Themes ~ Exploration of local to global themes.

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Curriculum Connections

Strand: DESIGN
Target: DESIGN - 8. Themes ~ Exploration of local to global themes
Indicators:

• Create artwork that integrates themes.
• Investigate how art emerges from human needs, values, beliefs, ideas and experiences.

Competencies:

• Applying and Innovating: Use design principles to express thematic content innovatively.
• Reflecting and Responding: Analyse and interpret art inspired by locality and culture.
• Communicating and Collaborating: Share and discuss themed artworks to deepen understanding of perspectives.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Identify and articulate a local theme relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador that connects to broader global ideas.
2. Create a conceptual design integrating the chosen theme with intentional artistic choices.
3. Explain how their artwork reflects human beliefs, needs, or experiences related to their theme.
4. Engage respectfully in peer critique, providing constructive feedback based on thematic and design considerations.

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Materials Needed

• Sketchbooks or drawing paper
• Pencils, coloured pencils, markers
• Copies of The Animation Bible extract focusing on storytelling (optional)
• Excerpts from Design Basics Index highlighting theme-based composition
• Images/posters from the Change Constant Poster Series to inspire thematic ideas
• Whiteboard/markers for brainstorming
• Projector/tablet for displaying examples of Newfoundland & Labrador art

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Context (10 minutes)

• Connection to Curriculum: Briefly connect the lesson to the DES 8 indicator. Emphasize how artists reflect local/global concerns, including those relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Discussion: Present short examples of artwork from Newfoundland & Labrador that address local cultural or environmental themes (e.g., fisheries, community, environment, resilience). Use posters from the Change Constant Poster Series for visuals.
• Think-Pair-Share: Students pair up and discuss which theme resonates with them most and why.

2. Investigation & Research (10 minutes)

• Mini-Lecture: Explain how design choices (colour, composition, symbols) help convey themes. Reference Design Basics Index and The Animation Bible for concept development and storytelling in design.
• Individual Task: Students choose one local theme (e.g., "Connection to the Sea", "Heritage & Identity", or "Environmental Change") and brainstorm ideas in their sketchbooks for expressing their theme visually. Encourage notes about the human needs, values, or beliefs connected to their theme.

3. Creation Phase (25 minutes)

• Students develop a detailed sketch or compositional design that integrates their chosen theme.
• Emphasise the use of foundational design equipment and materials provided by the school for this discipline-based project.
• Teacher circulates to provide feedback, guiding students to strengthen thematic expression and design effectiveness.

4. Peer Sharing & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Students pair up or form small groups to share their preliminary designs and explain the theme and values behind their work.
• Peers offer positive, constructive feedback focusing on clarity of theme and artistic choices.

5. Closing and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Recap how art connects to human experiences and cultural identity using examples from today’s work.
• Assessment: Evaluate students based on their ability to integrate theme into design and articulate its significance (informal rubric).
• Homework: Refine sketches based on feedback for next class where they will develop final pieces.

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Assessment Rubric Criteria

Criteria	Excellent (4)	Good (3)	Satisfactory (2)	Needs Improvement (1)
Integration of Theme	Theme is clear, original, and thoughtfully explored	Clear theme, well integrated	Theme somewhat identified	Theme is unclear or missing
Design & Composition	Strong use of elements/principles enhancing theme	Good design choices support theme	Design somewhat supports theme	Design weak, theme not supported
Understanding of Values	Demonstrates deep understanding of human needs, values, beliefs	Shows good understanding	Basic grasp of theme’s values	Limited understanding
Communication	Effectively explains and discusses theme and choices	Communicates clearly with minor gaps	Explanation partially clear	Explanation unclear or missing

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Animation Storyboard: Inspired by The Animation Bible, create a short storyboard sequence that visually explores their theme across multiple frames, incorporating narrative progression.
• Mixed Media Experimentation: Use digital tools or experimental materials (e.g., collage, textiles) to deepen thematic expression.
• Community Interview: Interview a local artist or community elder about cultural themes, then create artwork integrating these insights.
• Global Linkage: Research similar themes in global art and create a comparative visual piece combining local and global perspectives.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Encourage reflection on Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique cultural and environmental identity throughout the lesson.
• Use the Change Constant Poster Series as a springboard to link local themes to global challenges such as climate change or cultural continuity.
• Scaffold support for students struggling with theme integration using graphic organisers or guided questioning.
• Facilitate an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives on local issues are respected and discussed openly.

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This lesson promises to inspire students by connecting their artistic practices to the rich, vibrant culture and environment of Newfoundland and Labrador, fostering both creativity and critical thinking within the Visual Arts 9 curriculum framework.