Author:
VMFA Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Subject:
Visual Art, Measurement and Geometry
Material Type:
Lesson Plan
Level:
Middle School, High School
Grade:
6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Provider:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
Tags:
  • Art Appreciation
  • Art and Engineering
  • Geometry
  • Josef Albers
  • Math
  • Math Brainteasers
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Graphics/Photos, Text/HTML

    Education Standards

    Artistry and Geometry: Josef Albers

    Artistry and Geometry: Josef Albers

    Overview

    "I prefer to think that we arrive at insight by experience..."
    -Josef Albers

     

    Examining art with a mathematical lens can help students articulate how they see and understand spatial and numerical relationships. Use this resoure to explore prints by artist and teacher Josef Albers to help students expand their understanding of geometric concepts such as parallel lines, congruent angles, rectangular prisms and more.

    The resource includes: 

    • Short introduction to Albers and his ideas.
    • Examples of Albers works for examination. 
    • Suggested open-ended activity for further exploration 
    • Discussion prompts 

    This activity can be structured as introductory exploration or informal formative evaluation. Use student ideas generated as a reference and springboard for more formal instruction and problem-solving.  

     

    Lesson Guide

    Review VMFA resource: 

    Lesson Concept: Josef Albers Formulation: Articulation

    • Learn about Albers and his experiential approach to teaching and his ideas about thinking in two and three dimensions.
    • Structure the included "Re-Presentation" challenge in a way that makes sense for your class.  The activity should be open-ended and thought-provoking. Students should document their thinking as they attempt the challenge. 
    • Use the included discussion prompts and some of your own to gather student ideas. 
    • Use student ideas as a reference and springboard for more formal instruction and problem-solving.