2 class periods of 45 minutes each
Small Groups
The student will design a pictograph representing one of the figures that inspired the artist, while observing the exhibit. While observing the exhibit the student will sketch a few pictographs onto a drawing tablet. The student will utilize glue and natural earthtone pigments that will be sprinkled onto the glue which captures the pictograph on the sheet of sandpaper.
The teacher will explain to the students that a pictograph is a form of rock art, such that natural earthtone pigments were utilized to draw the pictograph onto the sandstone. Whereas a petroglyph is a form of rock art, such that sandstone material has been etched out from a natural patina (dark-brown in color) sandstone background to expose the interior. See bibliography references. Prior to the lesson, provide a collection of different natural earthtone colors of sand. The teacher will provide multiple copies of rock art symbols duplicated from books. The teacher will develop a compare/contrast chart.
The teacher will activate students' prior knowledge about Rock Art and the cultural/historical significance of the Utah Native American Indians: Northern Ute (Fort Duschene), Northwest Band of Shoshone, Goshute, White Mesa Ute, Piute, Hopi and Navajos. The teacher will instruct the class to know that each tribe contributed to the different rock art styles portrayed in the book and exhibit; Sacred Images.
The students will learn to be able to compare and contrast petroglyphs and pictographs. The student will analyze, evaluate and create meaning from the pictograph they have chosen by recreating it on a sheet of sandpaper utilizing natural earthtone pigments.
The students will compare and contrast the various styles of rock art exhibited by Sacred Images. The student will conduct a research project on a Utah Tribe and their contribution to rock art.
Social Studies
The students' work of art - in this case pictographs will be displayed in the main foyer during school family night. Each work of art will have a written explanation or interpretation about the meaning of the pictograph.
Patterson, Alex A Field Guide to Rock Art Symbols of the Greater Southwest 1992