Unit 2: Art & Its Impact

Investigate how art can address social issues, create awareness, and engage with the community. Explore art history, movements, and the role of public art, combining historical context with modern approaches.

Unit Description: In the "Art and its Impact" unit, 8th-grade artists will explore the profound role of art in addressing social issues, creating awareness, and engaging with the community. This unit is thoughtfully designed to encourage students to use art as a medium for change, drawing inspiration from historical movements and modern approaches. Through hands-on activities, research projects, and reflective discussions, students will develop their artistic skills while understanding the transformative power of art in society.

Unit Objectives: By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

• Understand the capacity of art to address social issues and create awareness.

• Explore the historical context of art movements and their impact.

• Develop skills in creating art that engages with and impacts the community.

• Research and analyze the work of artists who use their art for social change.

• Reflect on the role of art in shaping perspectives and advocating for change.

Key Concepts:

• Social Impact: Using art to address and raise awareness about societal issues.

• Art Movements: Historical and contemporary art movements that have advocated for change.

Assessment: Assessment in this unit will focus on:

• Active participation in class discussions and activities.

• Completion of art projects that demonstrate an understanding of art's impact on society.

• Application of artistic techniques in individual artworks focused on social issues.

• Research skills and the ability to analyze the work of socially impactful artists.

Week-by-Week Breakdown:

• Introduction to Art and Social Impact

• Art Movements for Change

• Creating Art for Awareness

• Community Engagement Through Art

• Researching Socially Impactful Artists

• Artists as Advocates for Change

• Creating Art with a Message

• Social Impact Art Showcase

Culminating Activity: Social Impact Art Gallery The unit culminates in a Social Impact Art Gallery where students proudly present their artworks focused on social issues. This gallery provides an opportunity for students to showcase their understanding of art's role in society, their research skills, and their ability to use art as a tool for change.

Unit Description: Eighth grade students will reflect on how the world around us affects us. Students will pull from their own experiences to draw a fictional world in which they explore 2-point perspective.