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Lesson Plan Image

Nobel Prize Medal

The Nobel Prizes are awards given to people in five different fields for their contributions to the bettermant of humankind. Students will explore the history of these awards and create a replica of a Nobel Prize medal.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Ribbon
  • Toothpick(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    In 1895, the will of Swedish chemist, engineer, and industrialist Alfred Nobel called for the establishment of the Nobel Prizes which were to be awarded to people who, in the previous year, contributed greatly to the benefit of humankind. Have students research the history of the prizes and some of the recipients. What were the five fields selected by Nobel to be awarded a prize? When was the first award bestowed? What sixth field was added in 1969? What does the award include? What is the term for someone who receives the award? Who received the first award(s)?

  • Step 2

    As part of the prize, each recipient receives a Nobel Prize medal. This is made of gold and features an image of Alfred Nobel on one side. The images on the reverse side vary according to the field it's awarded to. The diameter of the medal is 2.6 inches (66 millimeters). Have students create a replica of the gold medal using Air-Dry Clay. They can roll out a piece of clay, then etch the features using a toothpick or unfolded paper clip. When the molding is complete, have them paint the medal gold and then attach a ribbon when it's dry.

  • Step 3

    Have students display the medals and discuss some of the noted Laureates they researched.

Standards

LA: Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.

VA: Select and use subject matter, symbols, and ideas to communicate meaning.

VA: Identify specific works of art as belonging to particular cultures, times, and places.

LA: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade level topics and texts, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

LA: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.

SS: Explore and describe similarities and differences in the ways groups, societies, and cultures address similar human needs and concerns.

SS: Identify and use various sources for reconstructing the past, such as documents, letters, diaries, maps, textbooks, photos, and others.

SS: Identify and describe ways family, groups, and community influence the individual's daily life and personal choices.

SS: Give examples of the role of institutions in furthering both continuity and change.

VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.

Adaptations

Have students research what happened to the Nobel Prizes awarded to German scientists Max von Laue and James Franck. Why did they send their gold medals (won in 1914 and 1925) to Denmark for safekeeping? What happened when Germany invaded Denmark during WWII? How were the medals made "invisible"? What happened to the medals after the war?

Ask students to learn about Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the first person to win a Nobel twice, and the only person to win in two scientific fields. What scientific achievements is she known for? How did she overturn established ideas in physics and chemistry?