Crystal Blue Persuasion
By Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, August 23, 2006
Grade Level
- High School
Category
- Graphic Design
Subject Area
- Social Studies
Lesson Time
Introduction
National Standards
Common Core Standards
Anchors for Reading:
Key Ideas and Details:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.1 Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.2 Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.3 Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.9 Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.10 Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.
Research to Build and Present Knowledge:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Anchor standards for Speaking and Listening:
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5 Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.
Anchor standards for Language:
Conventions of Standard English:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.L.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Objectives
- analyze how people have used design to express political beliefs
- design an item to call attention to an issue
Resources
- National Archives Website
- Smithsonian Press Website
- "Power of Persuasion" worksheet
Materials
- a variety of art supplies and materials based on students' designs
Procedures
Building Background Political Artifacts
The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity for students to examine how design has been used by governments and individuals to convey political messages. 1. Share and discuss the following political artifacts with your students: National Archives "Powers of Persuasion Poster Art from WWII" http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/powers_of_persuasion/powers_of_persuasion_home.html Smithsonian Press "Jailed for freedom" pin, 1917 (U.S. Suffragists Movement) http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=233 "Longest Walk" poster, 1978 (Native Americans and tribal rights)http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=231 Button from March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, 1963 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=227 Antislavery medallion, about 1787 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=229 Equal Rights Amendment charm bracelet, 1972-74 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=230 Panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, 1987 http://www.smithsonianlegacies.si.edu/objectdescription.cfm?ID=238 2. The following questions might be helpful to stimulate a discussion:- How does the item deliver its message?
- What emotions does the item convey?
- Is the item effective in communicating its message?
- How do the colors or materials used in the creation of the item reinforce its message?
- What effect might this item have had on people of different ages and backgrounds living in the given time period?
Steps for Learning Design a Statement
In this activity, students will design an item with the intention of persuading a particular group of people or the population as a whole to take a certain action. This activity may be shaped to fit the specific needs of a variety of topics and subject areas. 1. Ask students to design an item to call attention to a specific cause or event. Their intention might be to educate or raise awareness regarding a situation of which people are unaware. Listed below are a few specific ideas of how this activity can be used. These are suggestions, but the activity can be use in a wide variety of topics and subjects. History Possible topics for a history class might include the following:- Rome's major problems during the Roman Republic
- Conflict of ideas between the Judeo-Christian system of values and the Classical Greco-Roman system during the Renaissance and Reformation
- Opposite views of patriots and the loyalists regarding the decision to break away from England
- Child labor during the industrial revolution
- AIDS in Africa
- Land conservation
- Refugees
- Scarcity of water
- Local issues in your community
- Tolerance
- Urging people to vote
- Poverty
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