Archaeology: Unearthing the Past
Students will explore archaeological methods and interpret artifacts to understand societies without written records.
Key Questions
- Predict what an archaeological find might reveal about an ancient culture.
- Compare the information gained from archaeological evidence with written records.
- Justify the ethical considerations involved in archaeological digs and artifact preservation.
NCCA Curriculum Specifications
About This Topic
Self-portraiture in the first year is less about photographic accuracy and more about observation and identity. Students use mirrors to look closely at themselves, identifying the shapes and lines that make them unique. This aligns with the NCCA's 'Looking and Responding' strand, as students must analyze their own features before translating them to the page. It is a powerful exercise in self-awareness and confidence.
Through this process, students learn that everyone sees themselves differently. They explore how features like the curve of a smile or the shape of eyes can be represented through simple artistic marks. This topic is deeply personal and benefits from a supportive, student-centered environment where children can share their work and celebrate the diversity of their classroom community. Students grasp the concept of proportion and detail faster through structured peer observation and discussion about what makes each face special.
Active Learning Ideas
Peer Teaching: The Mirror Challenge
In pairs, one student acts as the 'mirror' and describes a specific feature of their partner (e.g., 'Your eyes are like almonds'). The partner then tries to draw that feature based on the description before checking a real mirror.
Gallery Walk: Identity Wall
Students create self-portraits that include symbols of things they love. They display them around the room, and the class moves from piece to piece, trying to guess whose portrait it is based on the artistic clues and features.
Think-Pair-Share: Changing Faces
Students make different expressions in a mirror (happy, surprised, sleepy). They discuss with a partner how their features change (e.g., 'My eyebrows go up when I'm surprised') and then choose one 'mood' to draw.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionEyes are at the very top of the head.
What to Teach Instead
Students often forget the forehead. Using a simple 'hands-on' measurement (placing hands on chin and top of head) helps them realize eyes are actually in the middle of the face.
Common MisconceptionA self-portrait must look exactly like a photo.
What to Teach Instead
Emphasize that a portrait can show how you feel or what you like. Showing examples of abstract portraits helps students feel comfortable with their own unique drawing style.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I help a student who is frustrated that their drawing doesn't look like them?
What role does identity play in this lesson?
How can active learning help students understand self-portraits?
Should I provide templates for the face shape?
Planning templates for The Historian\
5E Model
The 5E Model structures lessons through five phases (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, and Evaluate), guiding students from curiosity to deep understanding through inquiry-based learning.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in The Nature of History
What is History? Exploring the Past
Students will understand that history is about learning about the past and that we use clues (sources) to do this. They will look at simple examples of clues.
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Chronology and Historical Sequencing
Students will practice ordering historical events using timelines and discuss the importance of chronological understanding in history.
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Different Stories, Different Views
Students will understand that people can have different memories or tell different stories about the same event, and that's okay. They will compare simple accounts.
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Family Stories: Our Own History
Students will learn about their own family history by listening to stories from parents, grandparents, or older relatives, understanding that these stories are part of history.
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