Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Visual Art
Curriculum Theme: Visual Art
Previous Lesson: Arts Galleries in Nigeria: Meaning, Locations and Functions.
Topic: Visual Arts
Subject Matter: Definition of visual art; classification of visual arts; fine arts including drawing, painting and sculpture; applied arts including graphics, textile and ceramics; functions of each class of visual arts.

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

Define visual art.
Classify visual arts into fine arts and applied arts.
List examples of fine arts: drawing, painting, and sculpture.
List examples of applied arts: graphics, textile, and ceramics.
State functions of fine arts and applied arts.

Affective Domain:

Show interest in observing and appreciating artworks around them.
Value creativity and neatness in art activities.
Demonstrate respect for artworks and art materials.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify and sort pictures or samples into fine arts and applied arts.
Produce a simple sketch or decorative design showing one example of visual art.
Label examples correctly under fine arts and applied arts on a class chart.

Work in groups to classify displayed artworks and present findings.
Participate in class discussion by giving examples of visual arts in the community.
Share materials and cooperate during group tasks.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
New Practical Fine Art for Senior Secondary Schools (introductory chapter on visual arts and classification)
Encyclopaedia Britannica: Visual Arts
Tate: Art Terms
The Met: Resources for Educators

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Artworks representing each class (fine and applied arts)
Sample drawings, paintings, and simple craft items
Pictures of sculpture, graphics designs, textiles, and ceramic wares
Chart paper for classification (Fine Arts / Applied Arts)
Markers/chalk and board
Notebooks and writing materials

Rationale for the Lesson

Visual arts are part of everyday life in advertising, clothing, buildings, and home decoration. Understanding the classes of visual arts helps pupils to identify artworks correctly and see how art can serve both beauty and practical needs.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have seen drawings, paintings, crafts, and designs in school, homes, shops, and public places.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Visual Arts

Definition of Visual Art

Visual art is any form of art that is created to be seen, such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, designs, textiles, and ceramic works.

Classification of Visual Arts

The following are the major classes of visual arts:

Fine Arts
Applied Arts

Fine Arts

Fine arts are visual arts mainly created for beauty, expression, and appreciation.

The following are examples of fine arts:

Drawing: Making images with lines using pencil, charcoal, pen, or chalk.
Painting: Creating images with colours using paint and brushes on a surface.
Sculpture: Making three-dimensional forms by carving, modelling, casting, or assembling materials.

Applied Arts

Applied arts are visual arts that combine beauty with practical use.

The following are examples of applied arts:

Graphics: Designs used for communication, such as posters, logos, books, and advertisements.
Textile: Decorative and functional fabric works such as clothing, embroidery, and patterned materials.
Ceramics: Clay products such as pots, tiles, plates, and decorative items that are dried and fired.

Functions of Fine Arts

The following are functions of fine arts:

Beautification and decoration of homes, schools, and public places.
Self-expression and communication of ideas and feelings.
Cultural representation and recording of events or traditions.
Entertainment and appreciation during exhibitions and shows.
Education through illustrations and visual storytelling.

Functions of Applied Arts

The following are functions of applied arts:

Communication of information through graphics (posters, signs, packaging).
Production of useful items such as clothes, fabrics, tiles, and household wares.
Promotion and advertising of products and services.
Employment and business opportunities for designers and craft workers.
Beautification of everyday items through good design and decoration.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a few pictures/samples (drawing, textile pattern, poster, ceramic item) and asks pupils to identify what they are and where they are seen in daily life.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe and mention places they have seen such artworks (school, market, home, streets).
Learning Point: Visual arts are seen in many places and serve different purposes.

Step 2: Definition of Visual Art

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines visual art and writes the definition on the board with simple examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the definition and mention two examples of visual art.
Learning Point: Visual art is art created mainly to be seen.

Step 3: Classification of Visual Arts

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the two classes of visual arts and draws a simple chart on the board: Fine Arts and Applied Arts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the chart and suggest examples that fit under each class.
Learning Point: Visual arts are classified into fine arts and applied arts.

Step 4: Fine Arts and Examples

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation with Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains fine arts and uses pictures/samples to illustrate drawing, painting, and sculpture, then lists key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify which displayed items are fine arts and give examples from their environment.
Learning Point: Fine arts include drawing, painting, and sculpture.

Step 5: Applied Arts and Examples

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation with Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains applied arts and uses pictures/samples to illustrate graphics, textile, and ceramics and links them to practical uses.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify applied arts among the displayed items and list examples they know.
Learning Point: Applied arts include graphics, textile, and ceramics.

Step 6: Functions of Fine Arts and Applied Arts (Group Classification)

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils in groups to sort pictures/samples into fine and applied arts and to state functions of each class, then corrects and summarizes on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils work in groups to classify items and present two functions for each class.
Learning Point: Fine arts mainly serve beauty and expression, while applied arts combine beauty with practical use.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define visual art.
List the two classes of visual arts.
Mention three examples of fine arts and three examples of applied arts.
State two functions each of fine arts and applied arts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary and Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the definition, classification, examples, and functions of visual arts and gives an assignment for pupils to draw a simple chart showing fine and applied arts with three examples each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the assignment and submit their classwork where required.
Learning Point: Visual arts can be classified and identified using examples and functions.

Lesson Keywords

Visual art – Art created mainly to be seen.
Fine arts – Art made mainly for beauty and expression.
Applied arts – Art that combines beauty with practical use.
Drawing – Making images using lines and simple tools.
Painting – Creating images using colours and paint.
Sculpture – Three-dimensional artwork made from materials like wood, clay, or metal.
Graphics – Visual designs used for communication and information.
Textile – Fabric-related art used for clothing and decoration.
Ceramics – Clay works hardened by drying and firing.

Differentiation

Pupils who need support will use prepared picture cards and a simple template to classify items into fine and applied arts with one function each. Pupils who progress faster will add more examples from their environment and explain how one applied art supports business and communication.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use clear, familiar examples from the local environment to make classification easy and avoid confusion between fine and applied arts. Insist on short, exam-style points for definitions, classification, examples, and functions, and reinforce learning with picture sorting and chart work.