lesson Plans

Using these lesson plans, students will create an original work of art based on their interpretation of an Unsung Hero’s story, actions, and character. Students will also reflect on their experiences by writing an "Impact Statement" that articulates their journey of discovery and creative process and interprets their work for the viewer. The activities will fulfill multiple parts of the National Art Standards, which are color coded in the lesson plan for easy reference.

ARTEFFECT spotlights diverse Unsung Heroes from history who demonstrated altruistic character traits and values and took heroic actions that benefited others and society. This lesson plan explores ways students can connect with these role models by developing historical empathy. Historical empathy can lead to increased creativity and understanding in visual art activities. Explore K-12 curriculum connections, social-emotional learning, hands-on activities, and arts integration across history and ELA. Practices that build critical thinking and inquiry, mindful-looking, and vocabulary skills will also be modeled.

Engage in a step-by-step process with your students for developing novel and effective approaches to visual storytelling with a focus on the inspiring stories of Unsung Heroes from history. This lesson plan guides students through the six key components to storytelling that lead from storyline development to a completed artwork.  Various visual analyzing tools and classroom resources provided.

Explore the stories of Unsung Heroes from history using a STEAM framework and divergent thinking skills with your students. Participants investigate how logic and creativity overlap to generate innovative ideas and concepts for visual artmaking. This lesson plan provides turn-key resources, arts-integration strategies, and creative approaches including the use of coloring books to strengthen mindfulness.

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This lesson plan explores visual representations of Holocaust stories, with a focus on Unsung Heroes. It emphasizes the importance of maturity and sensitivity when depicting the Holocaust and other genocides through art. Participants will learn strategies to thoughtfully consider perspective, audience, and message in their creative work. The lesson plan also guides educators in supporting students to produce age-appropriate artworks that align with sound educational principles. Through this process, participants will deepen their understanding of the Holocaust and discover how creating art can foster historical awareness, empathy, and compassion in students.

This lesson plan explores how LMC Unsung Heroes’ actions changed the course of history through a social impact framework. What does social impact mean? Where did the Unsung Hero make an impact ―on society, communities, or individuals? How did their actions encompass the sense of responsibility that is at the core of social impact? Participants will consider how processes of artmaking and design convey concepts about social impact that can support students in creative interpretations of the Unsung Heroes’ stories. Educators guide their students to exploring their ability to impact a community or audience through their ARTEFFECT project.