Format
This live, interactive videoconference program is taught from the museum galleries, giving students the opportunity to see original works of art and also dig deeper with additional digital content. Led by a museum educator, this program begins with an introduction to the MFA followed by close looking and guided activities centered around several works of art. Throughout the program, students will connect with the educator in the museum gallery by looking closely, making observations, asking questions, and engaging in activities.
Objectives
1. Students will expand their understanding of daily life in Ancient Greece while analyzing artworks that portray everyday activities of men, women, and children.
2. Students will practice visual literacy and critical thinking skills through close looking, observation, and online discussion centered on works of art from the MFA's collection.
Standards Alignment
State Standards
Investigating History
Grade 7: Unit 5, Lessons 6-16 (Cluster 2) - Ancient and Classical Greece, c. 1200–300 BCE
Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for History and Social Science
Grade 7: World Geography and Ancient Civilizations II
- Topic 4b: Ancient and Classical Greece, c. 1200-300 BCE
[HSS.7.T4b.04] Compare and contrast life in Athens and Sparta, including the status and role of women and enslaved people in the two city-states.
[HSS.7.T4b.06] Give examples of Greek gods and goddesses, heroes, and events; explain the persistence of terms from Greek and Roman mythology in modern English and other European languages.
[HSS.7.T4b.07] Identify the major accomplishments of the ancient Greeks by researching and reporting on one of the following: a scientist or mathematician; a philosopher, historian, poet or dramatist; architecture; writing; art.
Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Arts
Grades 7-8: Visual Arts | Responding
[7-8.V.R.07] Perceive and analyze artistic work. Analyze elements of a work that are indicative of the historical or cultural context in which it was created.
[7-8.V.R.08] Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work. Explain how an artistic work was influenced by the culture or historical context in which it was created.
[7-8.V.R.11] Relate artistic ideas and works to societal, cultural and historical contexts to deepen understanding. Identify visual ideas from a variety of cultures connected to different historical populations.