Primary Source Lesson Plan
Jennifer Santos
Subject Area: Fine Arts
Grade Level: 10-12th
Objective: Learners will demonstrate an understanding of cultural significance of
The Day of the Dead – a cultural art celebration by using art techniques to produce
a piece/installation of original folk art. Learners will also research and demonstrate
knowledge of the artist Frida Kahlo by writing a three page paper.
Content Standard: (California - http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci)
Analyze Art Elements and Principles of Design
1.3 Research and analyze the work of an artist and write about the artist's
distinctive style and its contribution to the meaning of the work.
Diversity of the Visual Arts
3.3 Identify and describe trends in the visual arts and discuss how the issues of time,
place, and cultural influence are reflected in selected works of art.
Derive Meaning
4.1 Articulate how personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and current social,
economic, and political contexts influence the interpretation of the meaning or
message in a work of art.
Technology Standard: (NETS for Students http://cnets.iste.org/students/s_stands.html)
Technology standard to be met with this lesson:
Research and Information Fluency
Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:
a. plan strategies to guide inquiry.
b. locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from
a variety of sources and media.
c. evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the
appropriateness to specific tasks.
d. process data and report results.
Primary Sources Used as Resources:
http://www.fridakahlo.com/
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.html
http://www.google.com/search?q=loteria+cards&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en- us:IESearchBox&rlz=1I7TSND_en___US410&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&
sa=X&ei=4qHnTbTVGYWasAOvrtHzDQ&ved
Lesson Activities:
1) Students will view a power point presentation given by the teacher, followed
by a class discussion.
2) Students will research on the computer primary sites to gather more
information and inspiration.
3) Students will individually create an original piece of Mexican folk art to
display their ability and understanding of the culture using a medium of
their choice.
4) Students will individually type a three page paper on Frida Kahlo making
sure to include but not limited to the following essential questions:
a) Who was Frida Kahlo? (back ground information)
b) What type of art did she create?
c) How did Frida become an artist?
d) What were Frida’s main passions and how were those reflected in her art
work?
Assessment: The primary sources will give the students background knowledge of
the culture and one of its most famous artists. They will be assessed by the original
art work they create as well as they three page essay.
Reflection: At the completion of the assignment we will have a class critique of the
original artwork displayed. Then as a class we will reflect on what we would do
differently. At this time the instructor will discuss the primary resources and get
students feedback on how helpful they were. Instructor will also take notes on other
sources students used…for review to see if the primary sources should be changed
and/or added to for the following year.