Discovering Da Vinci

Curriculum Area

• Subject: Art and Design
• Key Stage 1 (KS1)
• Age Group: Year 2
• National Curriculum Objective: "To use a range of materials creatively to design and make products" and "to learn about the work of a range of artists."

Learning Objectives

1. Students will understand who Leonardo da Vinci was and why he is famous.
2. Students will explore da Vinci's use of lines and shading.
3. Students will create their own simple sketch inspired by da Vinci.

Resources

• A3 paper
• Pencils, erasers
• Images of Leonardo da Vinci's famous works (e.g. Mona Lisa, The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man)
• Short, age-appropriate biography of Leonardo da Vinci
• Whiteboard and markers

Lesson Structure

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Engage the Students: Begin with a question: "Who do you think was a famous artist who lived 500 years ago?" Allow a few guesses.
2. Introduce Leonardo da Vinci: Briefly explain who Leonardo da Vinci was. Use simple language to convey that he was an artist, scientist, and inventor. Highlight his curiosity about the world and how he drew many things he observed.
3. Showcase His Work: Display images of his work on a large screen or printed posters. Point out the use of lines and how da Vinci was skilled in sketching and shading.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Explore Techniques (10 minutes):

   • Demonstrate Simple Sketching and Shading: On the whiteboard, draw a simple object, such as a fruit or a hand, showing step-by-step how to use light and dark pencil strokes for shading.
   • Discuss Lines: Explain how Da Vinci often used lines to create form and show movement and emotion.

2. Art Activity (15 minutes):

   • Inspiration and Creation: Have students choose a simple object in the classroom to draw, like a plant or a shoe. Encourage them to use the techniques demonstrated.
   • Walk Around: As students sketch, provide individual guidance on using shading and lines. Encourage creativity and personal expression.

Plenary (10 minutes)

1. Reflection: Ask students to look at their drawings and think about one thing they learned about Leonardo da Vinci's style.
2. Show and Tell: Allow a few students to showcase their sketches and explain what they enjoyed about the activity.
3. Wrap-up Discussion: Reinforce da Vinci’s contribution to art with a simple takeaway: "Leonardo watched, wondered, and worked."

Assessment

• Observe students' engagement and understanding during discussions.
• Evaluate students' sketches for application of basic techniques of line and shading.
• Encourage students to express verbally what they learned in simple terms.

Differentiation

• Support: Pair students needing extra help with peers or provide additional guidance in sketching.
• Extension: For advanced students, introduce basic concepts of perspective or ask them to imagine an invention like da Vinci might have designed.

Follow-up Activity

• Encourage students to explore their world by observing and drawing one object at home, using the techniques learned. They can bring their sketch to the next class and share their insight on the experience.

By allowing Year 2 students to discover Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy through an interactive and hands-on approach, this lesson plan aims to spark curiosity and inspire artistic creativity.