Art of Rome

An artistic WebQuest for 7th Graders (for use as an art and history activity) Designed by Austin Bruce (Austinmbruce@gmail.com)

Introduction
During its peak, the Roman Empire was a center of art and culture. From beautiful frescos, to busts and statues that lined great halls, and even amazing tiled plazas, simply walking about Roman cities offered a feast for the eyes. Through this webquest youll see firsthand what Roman art has to offer and attempt to show your classmates this.

The Task
During our journey through roman art were going to see several examples of different art forms and styles. As a group youre going to try to persuade

your classmates as to what you consider to be the most impressive example of Roman art.

The Process
I. The first step in our assignment is to ensure youve divided yourselves into groups of 2-4 students. Once youve done that we can begin. To begin our journey into Roman art, follow the links below to discover some of the various ways Roman artists expressed themselves http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0210200/ancient_rome/art.htm http://www.ducksters.com/history/art/ancient_roman_art.php Once youve read up on the various pieces of Roman art, youre going to decide as a group what form of art interests you the most between murals/frescos, sculptures, or mosaics. Your goal is to present that art to the class and explain just why you find it interesting. Youre going to want your decide amongst yourselves who is going to create the presentation and who is going to present it Your presentation can be in the form of a poster showcasing several examples of the art youre going to present or you can attempt to create an original piece yourself.

II.

III.

IV.

V.

If you plan on creating a poster use these galleries to select several examples of Roman art Sculpture: http://www.theoi.com/GalleryS1.html Fresco/Mural: http://www.theoi.com/GalleryF1.html Mosaic: http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/mosaic/info.htm

VI.

If you plan on creating an original piece, use these guides together with the links above to make a creative work that well represents a roman work of art Sculpture: http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-clay-bust-ofsomeone-you-know-bron/?ALLSTEPS Mosaic: http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/mosaic/mkmosaic.htm (Use this to create a template that you can print) Mural: http://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Mural (You obviously cant use a wall so construction paper and water based paints will do just fine)

VII. Having created a collage showcasing examples or an original piece, you then need to present your choice of art to the class. During your 2-4 minute presentation you should try to explain to the class what your piece of art is and why youve chosen it out of all the options available.

Evaluation
Your final grade for this assignment will take into account how your research went, the art youve presented, and the presentation itself. Youre all responsible for your final grade so make sure everyone in your group does their part.
Beginning 1 Links were not followed and/or students attempted to go to unapproved sites Developing 2 Some links were followed during the research phase Accomplished 3 Most links were followed and students show some understanding Exemplary 4 All links were followed during the research phase and Score

Research

of the material

students show understanding of the material Poster features many examples of the selected form of art and is well put together/ Original piece clearly demonstrates form of art and shows both creativity and planning

Presented Material

Some artwork featured on poster and most No material prepared examples show for art being presentation/Material presented/Original is rushed with little piece is an to no planning and example of thought put into it/ artwork selected with some thought put into it

Poster features an acceptable amount of art and all art is of the same form as being presented/ Original work conveys the art being presented and shows both some creativity and planning

Presentation

Presenter is unprepared and shows little to no knowledge of the material

Presenter shows Presenter has exemplary some Presenter has knowledge of knowledge of little knowledge of the material the material the material and and provides and attempts shows poor a persuasive to convey their oratory skills argument as decision to the to why they class chose their art

Conclusion
Through this webquest you were able to discover a large amount of examples of roman art and just what makes it so incredible. You were also able to properly present to a group why you found your chosen form of art to be so powerful. I hope weve all gained some knowledge of several different styles of roman art.

Credits & References

Images courtesy of: http://rome.phillipmartin.info/