Art a Fact Museum: Process

Process

Read the entire webquest before starting any work!

First, I will divide the class into three groups: The Aztecs, the Mayas, and the Incas.

One group will explore the Aztec civilization and their art, architecture and artifacts.

Group two will investigate the Maya civilization, art, architecture and artifacts.

The third group will uncover the Inca civilization, art, architecture and artifacts.

Examine these links about each civilization in general.

Each group will, ultimately, teach their findings to the whole class.

Remember, each member of each group must donate one item to the Art a Fact Museum traveling exhibit.

Now, explore these links of the style of your civilization's art, architecture, and artifacts. Do you know of any great websites about your civilization? Add those to your research!

The links are organized in civilization groups.
aztec architectural features
Aztec Artifacts
Aztec Artforms

Working independently, examine links and select two eye-catching items of art or architecture from your civilization.
Answer the following questions on paper about your items:

What aspects of daily life do the examples of your civilization's art, architecture, and artifacts show? Does it portray an activity of daily life like a water vase? Does the item depict a special event such as a holiday? Does it represent the people or the government? When, where and by whom was the item created or completed? What is the style? Is it plain or fancy? Would you like to display this in your home or school? Why or why not?

When you have completed your first examination, get together with one other person from your group and compare your notes. Work together to come up with a common list of the critical elements that show how your artifact depicts daily life.

Next, each group will compare the pair lists. Modify your lists as needed based on group discussion.

Finally, after all your hard work, it is time to put together your

museum exhibit.

As a group, you will carefully select each piece for your exhibit.
Then, each member shall design a plaque to label his or her own donation. The plaque should include the name of the piece, where it was found or where it came from, some history about the item, it's function, and your aesthetic opinion.
The group will choose how to best display the exhibit. Will you present it in a PowerPoint with one item and plaque per page? Will you put a design on paper? Will you create a 3-D shadowbox? Will your exhibit be presented in chronological order or by size?

Take some time to think about these ideas. Then get together with your group to discuss and determine the final process. Teamwork is important! teamwork

You will showcase your creation and explain the ways in which it exemplifies your civilization's style at the end of the unit.