Sample Lesson Plan

In this lesson, the teacher provides scaffolding for the students by modeling the process of identifying art objects with ritual significance and analyzing the cultural contextual and art historical basis of the artworks. The students are exposed to computer-based art making tools and given opportunities for practice and exploration. The students will then use these tools to create an original mandala with multiple projections of geometric shapes.

Materials

• Slides of mandalas in the art of Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism
• Background readings on Hindu and Buddhist Tantric culture that are available in the school library
• Computer hardware and software for producing art projects

Objectives

Art History: Understand that mandalas are multiple projections of geometric shapes that serve as symbolic ritual drawings and as instruments of meditation in the art of Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism.

Art Production: Practice using computer-based tools to create original mandalas.

Art Criticism: Analyze similarities and differences among mandalas in the art of Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism and discuss their meaning.

Aesthetics: Increase sensitivity to and expand concepts of design and the interaction of color.

Procedures

1. Distribute readings on Hindu and Buddhist Tantric culture.
2. Show slides of mandalas in the art of Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism.
3. Discuss the historical, cultural, and ritual significance of selected images.
4. Discuss similarities and differences among selected images and their meanings.
5. Discuss design elements of mandalas.
6. Demonstrate computer software applications for creating works of art, including how to create shapes, use textures, and apply color.
7. Students will use computer-based tools to create an original mandala such as the one above. Ask the students to save their work for their portfolio and record their thoughts and actions in their journals.