Coat of Arms
LEVEL – Lower primary
COAT OF ARMS DESCRIPTION In these activities, students learn about the design of a Coat of Arms. They analyse the Coat of Arms from Australia and Great Britain then create their own Coat of Arms.
These cross-curriculum activities contribute to the achievement of the following:
Creative and visual arts •
Selects, combines and manipulates images, shapes and forms using a range of skills, techniques and processes.
English •
Interprets and discusses some relationships between ideas, information and events in visual texts for general viewing.
SUGGESTED TIME approximately 10-20 minutes for each activity (this may be customised accordingly)
WHAT YOU NEED • • •
class copies of Student handout pictures of Coat of Arms from Australia and Great Britain from o http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/commonwealth-coat-of-arms.html o http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Symbols/Coatsofarms.aspx paint, brushes, markers, crayons, paper and other art materials
ACTIVITIES The following activities may be completed independently or combined as part of a more comprehensive learning sequence, lesson or educational program. Please refer to your own state or territory syllabus for more explicit guidelines.
Australian Coat of Arms 1. Show the class a picture of the coat of arms of Australia. Work with the class to identify the plants, animals and other symbols. Ask the class if anyone has these flowers or animals in their local area. Discuss the colours, shapes and other features. Explain that a coat of arms appears on coins, official letters, on public buildings and on products and goods. 2. Discuss how and where the Australian Olympic Team uses the Australian Coat of Arms. For example, the Coat of Arms will be used on the Team uniform, aligned with the words “London 2012”. Explore the ideas and concepts associated with appropriate use, explaining that the display of the Coat Of Arms on Team uniforms is approved by the Australian Federal Government.
Great Britain 1. Show the coat of arms for Great Britain Discuss the colours, shapes and other features of the flowers and plants to encourage ideas and discussion. Ask the class to think of ways in which the coat of arms might be used during London 2012, such as during official ceremonies. 2. Brainstorm the features found on the coat of arms as outlined in the following sample: crown
chain
shield flags
unicorn features of Coat of Arms for Great Britain lion
rose
thistle
3. Discuss the class responses to the symbols, including the traits of each animal (eg strength for lion). Distribute art material and work with the class to label and colour each coat of arms. Design your own coat of arms, incorporating plants, animals and other symbols from your local area.
REFLECT ON a.s.p.i.r.e. VALUES
Discuss how a coat of arms might allow nations to have a sense of pride. What are some of the aspects of Australia that you would be proud to display on a new coat of arms? What are some situations where the Australian Olympic Team might feel pride?
EXPLORE A LITTLE FURTHER • • • •
Collect photos and illustrations or other coats of arms from around the world. Display the class coat of arms on the classroom wall. Discuss and research other symbols used in national flags. Research the coat of arms for you state or territory http://www.anbg.gov.au/oz/arms.html
STUDENT HANDOUT
COAT OF ARMS DESCRIPTION In these activities, students learn about the design of a Coat of Arms. They analyse the Coat of Arms from Australia and Great Britain then create their own Coat of Arms.
These cross-curriculum activities contribute to the achievement of the following:
Creative and visual arts •
Selects, combines and manipulates images, shapes and forms using a range of skills, techniques and processes.
English •
Interprets and discusses some relationships between ideas, information and events in visual texts for general viewing.
SUGGESTED TIME approximately 10-20 minutes for each activity (this may be customised accordingly)
WHAT YOU NEED • • •
class copies of Student handout pictures of Coat of Arms from Australia and Great Britain from o http://www.anbg.gov.au/emblems/commonwealth-coat-of-arms.html o http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Symbols/Coatsofarms.aspx paint, brushes, markers, crayons, paper and other art materials
ACTIVITIES The following activities may be completed independently or combined as part of a more comprehensive learning sequence, lesson or educational program. Please refer to your own state or territory syllabus for more explicit guidelines.
Australian Coat of Arms 1. Show the class a picture of the coat of arms of Australia. Work with the class to identify the plants, animals and other symbols. Ask the class if anyone has these flowers or animals in their local area. Discuss the colours, shapes and other features. Explain that a coat of arms appears on coins, official letters, on public buildings and on products and goods. 2. Discuss how and where the Australian Olympic Team uses the Australian Coat of Arms. For example, the Coat of Arms will be used on the Team uniform, aligned with the words “London 2012”. Explore the ideas and concepts associated with appropriate use, explaining that the display of the Coat Of Arms on Team uniforms is approved by the Australian Federal Government.
Great Britain 1. Show the coat of arms for Great Britain Discuss the colours, shapes and other features of the flowers and plants to encourage ideas and discussion. Ask the class to think of ways in which the coat of arms might be used during London 2012, such as during official ceremonies. 2. Brainstorm the features found on the coat of arms as outlined in the following sample: crown
chain
shield flags
unicorn features of Coat of Arms for Great Britain lion
rose
thistle
3. Discuss the class responses to the symbols, including the traits of each animal (eg strength for lion). Distribute art material and work with the class to label and colour each coat of arms. Design your own coat of arms, incorporating plants, animals and other symbols from your local area.
REFLECT ON a.s.p.i.r.e. VALUES
Discuss how a coat of arms might allow nations to have a sense of pride. What are some of the aspects of Australia that you would be proud to display on a new coat of arms? What are some situations where the Australian Olympic Team might feel pride?
EXPLORE A LITTLE FURTHER • • • •
Collect photos and illustrations or other coats of arms from around the world. Display the class coat of arms on the classroom wall. Discuss and research other symbols used in national flags. Research the coat of arms for you state or territory http://www.anbg.gov.au/oz/arms.html
STUDENT HANDOUT
