What masks reveal
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=310
A lesson plan for grades 6–8 Visual Arts Education and Social Studies
In this lesson, students explore the cultural significance of masks by investigating the role they play in ceremonies and on special occasions in societies from widely separated regions of the world. They then reflect on masking behavior in American society, such as at Halloween and in the circus.
The goals of this lesson are:
- to become aware of the social purpose and significance of cultural artifacts such as masks
- to recognize the influence that stereotyping can have on one’s response to artifacts of a different culture or society
- to explore connections between cultures and societies—including American society—relating to their use of masks
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Social Studies (2003)
Grade 6
- Goal 12: The learner will assess the influence of major religions, ethical beliefs, and values on cultures in South America and Europe.
- Objective 12.02: Describe the relationship between cultural values of selected societies of South America and Europe and their art, architecture, music and literature, and assess their significance in contemporary culture.
Grade 7
- Goal 12: The learner will assess the influence of major religions, ethical beliefs, and values on cultures in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
- Objective 12.02: Describe the relationship between and cultural values of selected societies of Africa, Asia, and Australia and their art, architecture, music, and literature, and assess their significance in contemporary culture.
Visual Arts Education (2001)
Grade 6
- Goal 5: The learner will understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
- Objective 5.01: Demonstrate an understanding that the visual arts have a history, purpose and function in all cultures.
Grade 7
- Goal 5: The learner will understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
- Objective 5.01: Identify the history, purpose and functions of visual arts in various cultures.
Grade 8
- Goal 5: The learner will understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
- Objective 5.01: Consider the history, purpose and function of visual arts and analyze their impact on various cultures.
