Unit Plan 12 (Grade 6 Art): Art & Culture Study
Grade 6 art unit exploring how artworks reflect cultural traditions and historical context, and how knowing who, where, when, and why shapes meaning.
Focus: Explore how art reflects historical or cultural traditions and how context influences meaning.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Culture & Context • Interpretation)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students explore how artworks reflect the cultures and histories they come from. They examine visual examples from different times and places—such as traditional textiles, ceremonial objects, architecture, and everyday art—to see how materials, symbols, and styles connect to beliefs, values, and daily life. Students practice describing cultural or historical context and how that context changes the way we understand an artwork’s purpose and meaning. The unit emphasizes respectful curiosity, avoiding stereotypes and recognizing that each artwork represents just a small part of a much larger culture.
Essential Questions
- How does art reflect cultural or historical traditions?
- What can artworks tell us about daily life, beliefs, and values in different times and places?
- How does knowing the context (who made it, where, when, and why) change how we interpret an artwork?
- Why is it important to approach art from other cultures with respect and an open mind?
- How can learning about cultural art traditions inspire my own artwork and ideas?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe visible features of artworks (materials, symbols, patterns, subject matter) and connect them to cultural or historical traditions (VA:Cn11.6a).
- Identify key context clues (time period, location, purpose, audience) and explain how these details influence the meaning or use of an artwork (VA:Cn11.6a).
- Use a Culture & Context organizer to show how an artwork reflects aspects of its culture (e.g., beliefs, celebrations, clothing, environment) (VA:Cn11.6a).
- Compare two artworks from different cultures or times, noting similarities and differences in purpose, style, and cultural meaning (VA:Cn11.6a).
- Create a simple context-inspired design that borrows general ideas (such as pattern types or subject matter) while avoiding copying sacred or specific cultural symbols, and explain the connection respectfully (VA:Cn11.6a).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cn11.6a — Identify how art reflects cultural or historical context and describe how context influences meaning.
- Example: Students study ancient art and explain its cultural purpose.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can describe what I see in an artwork and connect it to a culture or time period.
- I can explain how context (who, where, when, why) changes the meaning or purpose of an artwork.
- I can compare artworks from different cultures and talk about similarities and differences respectfully.
- I can fill out a Culture & Context organizer that shows how an artwork reflects traditions or beliefs.
- I can design an artwork inspired by cultural ideas (like pattern or subject matter) and explain the connection without copying sacred symbols.