What is Art? Argumentative Essay + Academic Research Presentation

Have your students write an argumentative essay on a highly engaging topic and learn how to conduct proper academic research using library databases.

Product #1

Do you want to teach your students how to research effectively? Do you want them to know the difference between using Google and search engines vs. library databases? 

This is the presentation for you!

In this presentation you will find: 

• Engaging topical questions to hook students,  like- What is Cardi B’s net worth?
• Explore Google and search engines
• Reliability and bias defined
• Discussion questions about the information received from fake websites to evaluate the potential bias 
• List of reliable search engines for research
• The different types of websites defined
• Question for students to evaluate the statistics received from a dot.com site 
• Library databases define, purpose explained
• “Scholarly” and “peer- reviewed” defined 
• Journalism vs. experts compared
• Space for YOU to paste the steps for students to access their schools library databases
• Suggested practice slide for searching 
• Suggested list of things to explore/point out to your class after they get their search results

Product #2

Part I- 17 Slide Presentation

This includes...

• Introduction discussion questions to build on students background knowledge about art in general
• Quote from famous artist Keith Haring with quote analysis questions
• The dictionary definition of "art" with discussion question
• TedED video by Hayley Levitt "Who decides what art means?" with post-viewing discussion questions
• 10 slides with pictures of famous sculptures w/ a repeating question for you to ask students in the presenter notes
• Link to the article + video, "An Italian Artist Auctioned Off an ‘Invisible Sculpture’ for $18,300. It’s Made Literally of Nothing" by Taylor Dafoe from Artnet News. 
• Quote from the article by the artist with a post-reading discussion question
• Slide with a snap shot of the argumentative assignment prompt to review with students

Part II- Argumentative Essay (5 Page Document)

This includes...

1- Introduction about the article piece "Buddha in Contemplation" by Salvatore Garau
2- Essay Prompt
3- List of paper requirements
4- Outline of paper expectations
5- Student writing drafting space
6- Writing checklist for students to self-edit their work


This assignment makes an excellent curricular cross over from art to English class! Enjoy

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