SMMUSD VAPA CURRICULUM for grades NINE through TWELVE

VISUAL
ARTS MATERIALS/
CONTENT GOAL ACTIVITIES/SKILLS RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

STANDARD 1: ARTISTIC PERCEPTION: Processing, analyzing, and responding to sensory information through the language and
skills unique to visual arts.
DESCRIPTORS –Students perceive and respond to works of art, objects in nature, events, and the environment. They use visual arts vocabulary to express their
observations.

Develop Perceptual Skills and Visual Discuss the physical world as Art images Teacher observation of
Arts Vocabulary portrayed in representational and classroom discussion
Analyze Art Elements and Principles of
abstract art, using arts vocabulary Internet
Design (art elements and principles of Rubric based
design) Posters/slides/transparencies evaluation of research
Impact of Media Choice paper
ARTISTIC PERCEPTION

Research and write a description Vocabulary lists

1.1 Analyze and discuss complex ideas,
such as distortion, color theory, arbitrary
of a specific artist, style, or period Identify art elements
color, scale, expressive content, and real of art using visual art vocabulary Posters illustrating and and design principles in
versus virtual in works of art. defining the art elements and their own work
1.2 Discuss a series of their original Discuss works of art, in various principles of design
works of art, using the appropriate media, comparing and contrasting Written analysis,
vocabulary of art.
1.3 Analyze their works of art as to
their use of the elements of art, Handouts and books related comparing and
personal direction and style. principles of design and expressive to artists, art history and art contrasting two works
content of various cultures of art
1.4 Research two periods of painting,
sculpture, film, or other media and Compare and contrast similar Portfolio
discuss their similarities and differences,
using the language of the visual arts.
styles of art work in various media
(traditional, and electronic)

1
 SMMUSD VAPA CURRICULUM for grades NINE through TWELVE
VISUAL
ARTS MATERIALS/
CONTENT GOAL ACTIVITIES/SKILLS RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

1.5 Compare how distortion is used in

photography or video with how the artist
uses distortion in painting or sculpture.
1.6 Describe the use of the elements of
art to express mood in one or more of
their works of art.

1.7 Select three works of art from their

art portfolio and discuss the intent of the
work and the use of the media.
1.8 Analyze the works of a well-known
artist as to the art media selected and the
effect of that selection on the artist's
style.

2
 SMMUSD VAPA CURRICULUM for grades NINE through TWELVE
VISUAL
ARTS MATERIALS/
CONTENT GOAL ACTIVITIES/SKILLS RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

STANDARD 2: CREATIVE EXPRESSION: Creating, performing, and participating in visual arts.

DESCRIPTORS - Students apply artistic processes and skills, using a variety of media to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art.

Skills, Processes, Materials, and Tools Demonstrate an appropriate Various materials Rubric based, teacher
Communication and Expression Through
level of control and appropriate to the production evaluation of art works.
Original Works of Art craftsmanship when drawing of art in disciplines including
drawing, painting, ceramics, Class critique of art
2.1 Create original works of art of Produce works of art which sculpture, photography, works based on the art
CREATIVE EXPRESSION

increasing complexity and skill in a reflect technical skill and digital media and emerging elements and design
variety of media that reflect their feelings
and points of view
effectively use the elements of technology principles utilized in
art and principles of design. the work.
2.2 Plan and create works of art that Works my be drawing, painting,
reflect complex ideas, such as distortion, sculpture, ceramics, Student, teacher
color theory, arbitrary color, scale, photography or other media portfolio review.
expressive content, and real versus virtual

2.3 Assemble and display objects or Demonstrate the ability to Written, multiple
works of art as a part of a public synthesize different subjects, choice and short
exhibition themes, images, and emotions answer testing.
in artwork created in various
2.4 Demonstrate in their own works of art
a personal style and an advanced
media Portfolio
proficiency in communicating an idea,
theme, or emotion Demonstrate an exploration of
personal style
2.5 Use innovative visual metaphors in
creating works of art
Select works of art for inclusion
2.6 Present a universal concept in a in a portfolio
multimedia work of art that demonstrates
knowledge of technology skills

3
 SMMUSD VAPA CURRICULUM for grades NINE through TWELVE
VISUAL
ARTS MATERIALS/
CONTENT GOAL ACTIVITIES/SKILLS RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

STANDARD 3: HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT: Understanding the historical contributions and cultural dimensions of
visual arts.
DESCRIPTORS- Students analyze the role and development of the visual arts in past and present cultures throughout the world, noting human diversity as it relates to
the visual arts and artists.

Role and Development of the Visual Arts Compare and contrast a selected Various research materials Rubric based teacher
Diversity of the Visual Arts
form of art (e.g. wall paintings, including textbooks, library assessment of written
ceramics, etc.) in two historical and computer with Internet work
3.1 Identify contemporary styles and cultures in class discussion access, slides and projector
HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL

discuss the diverse social, economic, and Teacher observation of

political developments reflected in the Research the work of a well- Posters, transparencies and class discussion
works of art examined.
3.2 Identify contemporary artists known artist working in a other images
worldwide who have achieved regional, technological media (i.e. video, Written reflection
national, or international recognition and digital, etc.) and write a paper Catalogues from discussing their success
discuss ways in which their work reflects, describing their style, role and contemporary art galleries in realizing their
plays a role in, and influences present-day influence and museums intention in their work
culture.
of art
3.3 Investigate and discuss universal Select and view a current Appropriate materials for the
concepts expressed in works of art from exhibition of contemporary art production of art work Portfolio
diverse cultures. and discuss the ways in which
3.4 Research the methods art historians modern culture has influenced the
use to determine the time, place, context,
value, and culture that produced a given work
work of art.
Produce a work of art with a
specific purpose, based on a
contemporary culture (e.g.
political poster, war memorial,
etc.)

4
 SMMUSD VAPA CURRICULUM for grades NINE through TWELVE
VISUAL
ARTS MATERIALS/
CONTENT GOAL ACTIVITIES/SKILLS RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

STANDARD 4: AESTHETIC VALUING: Responding to, analyzing, and making judgments about works of art.
DESCRIPTORS – Students analyze, assess, and derive meaning from works of art, including their own, according to the elements of art,
principles of design, and aesthetic qualities.
Derive Meaning Students apply criteria for aesthetic Various research materials Teacher observation of
judgement by comparing & including textbooks, library, class discussion -
Make Informed Judgments contrasting two works of art and computer internet access students demonstrate an
ability to create coherent
4.1 Describe the relationship involving In classroom discussion and Posters, and other art images. rational for their
the art maker (artist), the making critiques, students apply the 4 steps
(process), the artwork (product), and the judgements about art
of art criticism: (1) describe
AESTHETIC VALUING

viewer Permanent posters that list

artwork,(2) analyze art elements and and illustrate the 4 steps of Written analyses
design principles, (3) interpret the
4.2 Identify the intentions of artists aesthetic valuing
meaning and (4) judge the work
creating contemporary works of art and Class critiques of student
explore the implications of those Exhibition and gallery work
intentions Students will visit a contemporary
art exhibit and write a critique that catalogs & contemporary art
includes an interpretation of the magazines Written self critique
4.3 Analyze and articulate how society
influences the interpretation and message meaning of the work
of a work of art Portfolio
Students develop a portfolio
4.4 Apply various art-related theoretical
perspectives to their own works of art and Students develop written criteria for
the work of others in classroom critiques selecting a set of work from their
portfoli0 that represents significant
4.5 Construct a rationale for the validity achievements (4.6)
of a specific work of art artwork that falls
outside their own conceptions of art Students establish a rationale for an
unconventional work of art
4.6 Develop written criteria for the
selection of a body of work from their
portfolios that represents significant
achievements.

5
 SMMUSD VAPA CURRICULUM for grades NINE through TWELVE
VISUAL
ARTS MATERIALS/
CONTENT GOAL ACTIVITIES/SKILLS RESOURCES ASSESSMENTS

STANDARD 5: CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS, APPLICATIONS: Connecting and applying what is learned in visual arts to learning in other
art forms and subject areas and to careers.
DESCRIPTORS: Students apply what they learn in the visual arts across subject areas. They develop competencies and creative skills in problem
solving, communication, and management of time and resources that contribute to lifelong learning and career skills. They also learn about art related
careers.

Connections and Applications Students will apply knowledge Various visual arts materials Rubrics
Visual Literacy
and skills from core disciplines to as they apply to specific
CONNECTIONS, RELATIONSHIPS,

produce visual artwork projects, including access to Written reflections on

Careers and Career-Related Skills current 2-d & 3-d visual art visits and visitors
Students identify careers in the software
5.1 Speculate on how advances in visual arts, and investigate the Teacher observation of
technology might change the definition
and function of the visual arts course of study necessary to Various research materials class discussion
achieve that career goal including library and the
APPLICATIONS

5.2 Compare and contrast works of art, Internet Portfolio

probing beyond the obvious and Students prepare portfolios for a
identifying psychological content found variety of purposes - such as post- College and art school
in the symbols and images
secondary application, exhibition, catalogs, and visits to various
5.3 Prepare portfolios of their original job application, and personal art schools and colleges
works of art for a variety of purposes collection
(e.g., review for postsecondary Visits from art professionals
application, exhibition, job application, Students speculate on how representing various art-
and personal collection)
advances in technology might related careers. For example,
5.4 Investigate and report on the essential change the definition and function -visits from gallery and
features of modern or emerging of the visual arts museum professionals,
technologies that affect or will affect curators, conservators, fine
visual artists and the definition of the artists, commercial artists,
visual arts
animators, video and gaming
artists, art historians, set
designers, special effects
designers, architects, etc.