Created byJordan Wood
17 views0 downloads
Exploring Harlem Renaissance Through Art and Culture
Grade 6Social StudiesHistory5 days
The project 'Exploring Harlem Renaissance Through Art and Culture' invites 6th-grade students to delve into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Harlem Renaissance. By examining how the unique environment of Harlem influenced its artists, students will engage in activities that highlight the impact of this era on modern culture. Through entry events such as interactive exhibits, sound clashes, and historical role-playing, along with portfolio activities like word art and historical comparisons, the project fosters a deep understanding of artistic expression and historical context. This comprehensive exploration equips students with the skills to appreciate and create in response to historical and contemporary cultural themes.Harlem RenaissanceArtistic ExpressionCultural HeritageModern CultureHistorical ContextCreative Engagement
📝
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How did the unique cultural, social, and historical environment of Harlem during the Renaissance influence the artistic expressions and movements, and what can we learn from this period that informs our understanding and appreciation of contemporary art and culture?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the driving forces behind the Harlem Renaissance as an art and cultural movement?
- How did the unique environment of Harlem influence the works and themes of its artists?
- In what ways did the Harlem Renaissance shape modern culture and artistic expression?
- How can understanding the themes and context of the Harlem Renaissance enhance our appreciation of contemporary art and literature?
- What can the Harlem Renaissance teach us about the relationship between community and creativity?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Understand the key themes and cultural context of the Harlem Renaissance.
- Create visual and literary interpretations of Harlem Renaissance works.
- Analyze the impact of the Harlem Renaissance on modern culture.
- Engage with multimedia sources to appreciate the artistic expressions of the Harlem Renaissance.
- Develop skills in comparing historical and contemporary cultural movements.
- Produce creative works that reflect historical understanding and modern connections.
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4
Primary
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings.Reason: This standard supports the project's literary analysis component, enabling students to comprehend and interpret figurative language in Harlem Renaissance texts.
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies
NCSS.D2.His.16.6-8
Primary
Analyze how historical events and developments were shaped by the unique circumstances of time and place.Reason: The standard aligns with the project's exploration of the Harlem Renaissance's historical and cultural context and its impact on art and culture.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Snapshots in Time' - Interactive Photo Exhibit
Set up a gallery walk with photographs and art from the Harlem Renaissance. Students jot down observations and questions, then engage in a discussion about the era's artistic swell and its continuing effect today, encouraging them to think critically about art as commentary on social issues.Modern and Historic Sound Clash
Play a mix of Harlem Renaissance jazz pieces and modern hip-hop tracks. Students must match the historical jazz piece to its hip-hop counterpart, igniting discussion about musical evolution and cultural exchange over time.'Virtual Reality Journey' through Harlem
Using virtual reality headsets or a guided online tour, students explore key locations of Harlem during the Renaissance, such as the Cotton Club and the Apollo Theater. Students will identify and discuss these spaces' influence on the movement's iconic artists.A Time Travel Experience to the 1920s Harlem
Transform the classroom into a 1920s Harlem jazz club. Students will dress up in period attire, listen to live or recorded jazz music, savor cultural dishes, and experience a week in the life of a Harlem Renaissance artist through role-playing. This immersive entry event introduces them to the time period's vibe and invites inquiry into the societal changes at the time.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Artistic Inspiration: Word Art Wonders
Students will delve into the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance, identifying impactful phrases that embody the era's themes. Using these words, they will create typographic art that visually represents the emotional and cultural energy of the time.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Begin by selecting a poem from a Harlem Renaissance poet such as Langston Hughes or Claude McKay.
2. Identify key phrases and words in the poem that convey strong emotions or themes.
3. Discuss the meanings and implications of these words as a class.
4. Create a piece of typographic art using the selected words, incorporating colors and styles that reflect the poem's tone and the cultural vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA piece of typographic art that visually represents key phrases from Harlem Renaissance poetry.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4 by having students determine the meaning of words and phrases, and with NCSS.D2.His.16.6-8 by exploring the cultural context of the Harlem Renaissance.Activity 2
Collage Creations: Visual Storytelling
In this activity, students will create a collage that juxtaposes images from the Harlem Renaissance with contemporary visuals, highlighting the continuity of cultural themes over time.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Research images and motifs that were prominent during the Harlem Renaissance, such as jazz bands, urban scenes, and community gatherings.
2. Find or create images that represent similar themes in today's culture.
3. Assemble a collage that integrates both historical and modern imagery, illustrating the ongoing influence of Harlem Renaissance themes.
4. Write a brief explanation of the chosen images and themes.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA mixed-media collage that visually narrates the connection between Harlem Renaissance and contemporary culture.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports NCSS.D2.His.16.6-8 by analyzing historical events and their modern impact, and enhances understanding of thematic continuity.Activity 3
Historical Echoes: Artist Comparison
Students research a Harlem Renaissance artist and compare them to a modern Black artist, creating a presentation that highlights thematic and stylistic similarities and differences.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Select a Harlem Renaissance artist and a contemporary Black artist for comparison.
2. Conduct research on both artists, focusing on their thematic and stylistic elements.
3. Create a side-by-side comparison chart that outlines similarities and differences.
4. Develop a multimedia presentation that includes visual art, music samples, and key information about both artists.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA multimedia presentation comparing and contrasting a Harlem Renaissance artist with a modern counterpart.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity supports NCSS.D2.His.16.6-8 by analyzing the influence of historical artists on modern culture and parallels their work thematically.Activity 4
Figurative Language Explorers: Modern Poetic Reflections
Students dive into poems of the Harlem Renaissance to unlock the power of figurative language and craft modern poems that echo their themes, drawing connections to contemporary issues.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Select a Harlem Renaissance poem that showcases strong use of figurative language.
2. Analyze the poem's use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor.
3. Discuss as a class how these themes relate to contemporary issues.
4. Write a modern poem incorporating similar figurative language that connects past themes with present-day topics.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA personally crafted poem that captures the essence of Harlem Renaissance themes in a contemporary context.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsCovers CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.4 by focusing on figurative language comprehension and creative application in writing.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioHarlem Renaissance Project Rubric
Category 1
Understanding and Analysis
This category assesses students' understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Harlem Renaissance and their ability to analyze and interpret artistic expressions from this period.Criterion 1
Historical and Cultural Context
Demonstrates understanding of the historical and cultural context of the Harlem Renaissance.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits insightful understanding of the historical and cultural context, connecting it to the artistic expressions.
Proficient
3 PointsShows a clear understanding of the historical and cultural context and its relevance to the artistic expressions.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates a basic understanding of the historical and cultural context but may miss some nuances.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited understanding of the historical and cultural context.
Criterion 2
Analysis and Interpretation
Analyzes and interprets artistic expressions from the Harlem Renaissance.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful analysis of the artistic expressions, including their themes, styles, and cultural significance.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers a clear and accurate analysis of the artistic expressions, identifying key themes and styles.
Developing
2 PointsProvides a basic analysis of the artistic expressions but may miss some key details or interpretations.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited ability to analyze or interpret the artistic expressions.
Criterion 3
Creativity and Originality
Creates original work that demonstrates engagement with Harlem Renaissance themes and concepts.
Exemplary
4 PointsCreates original work that is insightful, innovative, and deeply engages with the themes and concepts.
Proficient
3 PointsProduces original work that effectively engages with the themes and concepts, showing creativity and understanding.
Developing
2 PointsCreates original work that demonstrates some engagement with the themes and concepts but may lack depth or originality.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces work that shows limited engagement with the themes and concepts or lacks originality.
Criterion 4
Communication and Presentation
Communicates ideas effectively through written, visual, or multimedia presentations.
Exemplary
4 PointsCommunicates ideas with exceptional clarity, coherence, and sophistication, using appropriate media.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents ideas clearly and effectively, using appropriate media and demonstrating good communication skills.
Developing
2 PointsCommunicates ideas adequately but may lack clarity, coherence, or effective use of media.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to communicate ideas effectively or uses inappropriate media.
Category 2
Collaboration
This category assesses students' ability to work collaboratively and contribute effectively to group projects.Criterion 1
Collaboration and Teamwork
Demonstrates collaboration and teamwork in group activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates exceptional leadership and collaboration, contributing significantly to the group's success.
Proficient
3 PointsCollaborates effectively with group members, contributing actively and positively to the group's work.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group activities but may not fully contribute or collaborate effectively.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited participation or collaboration in group activities.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
Reflect on the artistic and cultural themes of the Harlem Renaissance that you explored in this unit. How do they relate to the contemporary culture and society you experience today?
Text
Required
Question 2
On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your understanding of the Harlem Renaissance's impact on modern culture after completing this unit?
Scale
Required
Question 3
Which entry event in this unit helped you most in understanding the context of the Harlem Renaissance?
Multiple choice
Required
Options
'Snapshots in Time' - Interactive Photo Exhibit
Modern and Historic Sound Clash
'Virtual Reality Journey' through Harlem
A Time Travel Experience to the 1920s Harlem
Question 4
How confident are you in creating artistic or literary works that reflect significant historical themes, like those of the Harlem Renaissance?
Scale
Optional
Question 5
Discuss one major learning takeaway from engaging in multimedia projects, such as the 'Artistic Inspiration: Word Art Wonders' or 'Historical Echoes: Artist Comparison'.
Text
Required