Lesson
George Washington in American Art
Objectives:
- Students will be able to interpret historical evidence and make inferences by observing and describing details in works of art depicting George Washington.
- Students will be able to entertain and consider multiple viewpoints and revise their thinking by analyzing George Washington’s depictions in various styles and for various purposes.
- Students will be able to articulate the value of artwork as a primary source by writing a thesis statement that answers the essential question.
Materials
Lesson Components
A graphic organizer to accompany the nine primary source images.
Nine images of George Washington that allow students to explore the emerging national identity.
Lesson plan
More Information
The works of art included in this lesson can be displayed in a variety of ways as best suits your classroom and teaching situation. The artwork can be presented using a projector and the lesson can be done as a large class discussion. Alternatively, small groups can be assigned one high-quality color print of each work of art to interpret and share with the class as a jigsaw activity. Or, each piece of art can be printed and hung around the room or in a large space where students move around the room to interpret each, then come together for debriefing at the end. Seven works of art are provided, but not all need to be used in the lesson. This lesson is based on the “See, Think, Wonder” thinking routine from Project Zero.
Standards
Advanced Placement
- Topic 3.11 · Developing an American Identity
- Theme · American and Regional Culture
- Learning Objective · Unit 3M
- Historical Development · 3.2.III.D
- Reasoning Skill · Sourcing and Situation
- Reasoning Skill · Source Claims and Evidence
- Reasoning Skill · Making Connections
- Reasoning Skill · Argumentation
- Reasoning Process · Comparison
- Reasoning Process · Continuity and Change
Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →
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