The Arts · Year 2

Active learning ideas

Symbols in Media

Active learning helps students connect abstract symbols to real-world media they encounter daily. By moving from passive observation to hands-on analysis, students build visual literacy skills they can apply beyond the classroom.

• ACARA Content Descriptions
• AC9AME2R01
• AC9AME2D01

• 15–40 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 30 min · Pairs

Inquiry Circle: The Symbol Safari

Students walk around the school in pairs to find and photograph five different symbols. Back in class, they must explain what each symbol is 'telling' people to do or feel.

Justify why many 'stop' signs use the color red.

Facilitation Tip

During The Symbol Safari, provide each group with a set of varied signs and ask them to categorize symbols by function (e.g., warning, information, instruction) before discussing their findings.

What to look for

Give each student a picture of a common sign (e.g., a pedestrian crossing sign, a 'no entry' sign). Ask them to write: 1. What does this sign mean? 2. What symbol or color helps you understand it the fastest?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Simulation Game
• 40 min · Individual

Simulation Game: The Icon Designers

Students are tasked with designing a new symbol for 'The Quiet Zone' or 'The Fun Zone' in the playground. They must use only two colors and one simple shape to make the message clear.

Explain how symbols help people understand a message without reading words.

Facilitation Tip

For The Icon Designers, set a clear time limit for the design phase to encourage quick decision-making about symbol choices, mirroring how real designers work under constraints.

What to look for

Show students two different advertisements for similar products. Ask: 'Which ad grabs your attention more? What specific colors or symbols did the designer use to make you look? Why do you think they chose those elements?'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Social Awareness
• Decision-Making

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 15 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: Color Meanings

Show three logos (e.g., a green one, a red one, a bright yellow one). Students think about what 'vibe' each color gives, discuss with a partner, and share why a hospital wouldn't use bright neon orange.

Analyze what choices the designer made to capture our attention.

Facilitation Tip

In Color Meanings, assign each pair a color to research first so they can bring specific examples to share, preventing vague or off-topic responses.

What to look for

Present students with a list of common symbols (e.g., a heart, a lightbulb, a recycling symbol). Ask them to write down the idea or meaning each symbol represents. This checks their understanding of symbol recognition.

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach symbols by connecting them to students’ lived experiences. Start with familiar signs and gradually introduce less obvious symbols to build confidence. Avoid overwhelming students with too many abstract symbols at once. Research suggests that pairing symbol analysis with student-created designs deepens understanding because the process of making symbols requires careful consideration of meaning and audience.

Students will confidently identify how symbols communicate meaning quickly and accurately. They will explain the purpose behind common symbols and justify their interpretations using examples from media they encounter.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During The Symbol Safari, watch for students who describe symbols as 'just pictures' without considering their function or meaning.

  During The Symbol Safari, direct students to focus on the symbol’s purpose by asking, 'What action should this symbol prompt? What would happen if this symbol was missing?'

• During The Icon Designers, students may assume their symbol ideas are obvious to everyone.

  During The Icon Designers, require students to test their symbols with peers before finalizing them, asking, 'Does this symbol clearly communicate the intended meaning without explanation?'

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Simulation Game
• Think-Pair-Share