3D Design

Description: This was a 4th grade lesson where we created our own 3D sculptures. For this lesson we started out by looking into an artists sculptures. The artist we focused on was Jean Dubuffet. We then created our own random shapes on our paper. Two of the pieces were the base pieces and rest were add ons to the bases. We traced the shapes in sharpie on both sides before coloring the paper. We then colored the pieces using Jean Dubuffet's style. For the two base pieces we were able to color them according to our own style.

Extension Activity: An extension activity for this project could be to create a 3D sculpture with the inspiration of any artist. After creating the sculpture, the students would have to write a paragraph about why they chose the artist and how their sculpture goes along with the artist's style. They would also have to include if they like the style or if they prefer a different style.

Clay

Description: This was a 2nd grade lesson and we did a clay pinch pot in the shape of an apple. We all were given a chunk of clay and then followed each step in making the apple. First we had to wedge our clay and form it into a ball. Then we were able to start pinching in the middle to form the shape of any apple. Once we had our apple shape how we wanted it, we made our stem and leaf. Using the techniques we were taught, we attached our stem and leaf to the apple and also created seeds at the bottom of our pot. Once all of that was done we painted our whole project.

Extension Activity: I could use this pinch pot project during a social studies lesson. When learning about a different culture, I could have the students look at different symbols that represent the culture. They would create the pinch pot and then using the needle tool they would carve the symbols into the side of the pot. they could also do a big symbol in the middle of the pot. Then for their exit ticket I would have them write about how the symbol correlates to the culture.

Drawing

Description: For this project we focused on night and day. It was a 5th grade lesson and we started out by talking about different things and colors that remind us of night and day. We went over the different elements as well. Then we practiced drawing two sketches for day time and two sketches for night time. Our sketches had to include a pattern. Once our sketches were done we split a paper into two parts and put a sun on one side and a moon on the other. Then we picked one of our sketches to draw on the daytime side and one for the nighttime side. After drawing everything in pencil, we traced our lines with a sharpie and then colored everything. We were required to use at least 3 warm colors on the daytime side and 3 cool colors on the nighttime side. I decided to use red, orange, and yellow for warm colors and teal, blue, and purple for the cool colors. Once our drawings were done we had to find three elements that we used in our drawing and how we used them. I used lines, emphasis, and movement for my project.

Extension Activity: I could use this same type of activity for any compare and contrast topic. For example, if we were talking about different habitats. I would have the students split the paper into two and then pick two habitats. On both sides they would have to draw and color different things they would find in each habitat. I would then have them write a short paragraph about what they drew and why.

Craft

Description: This was a 4th grade lesson that Alexis and I taught. We decided to do cup weaving for our craft because it is a functional piece of artwork. Before diving into the project we went over different cultures and how they use functional, woven artwork. Each student thought about woven artwork and where they might see it in their everyday lives. Then we taught them how to weave the cup and everyone was able to create their own using one or two colors. After the weaving, everyone filled out an exit ticket on why they chose their colors and what they might use their cup for. I chose the color purple for my cup because it is one of my favorite colors and I plan to use my cup as a pencil/pen holder.

Extension Activity: One way I could extend this activity would be for them to do more research about a culture and their woven artwork. I could have them research videos on how each culture creates the woven artwork and then have them write a small paragraph on what they found. Then they could share it with the class to show more about how woven artwork is very functional.

Printmaking

Description: This lesson was a 2nd grade lesson about the four seasons. We all drew a season out of a hat and then talked with others about what that season makes us think of. I drew the season fall, so I had to first sketch a drawing that represented the fall. I decided to draw a tree with leaves falling and some pumpkins. Once we had our sketch, we traced it onto a styrofoam paper. We then traced our lines on the styrofoam paper to make them deeper. Once we had that done we watched a demonstration on how to do printmaking. Finally, we rolled the ink onto our styrofoam paper and then pressed it onto construction paper. Our drawing was transferred onto our construction paper. We did this twice and picked the best of our two prints and then wrote about it.

Extension Activity: I could use this same project when teaching about different weather patters. I could have students sketch what happens when it's sunny, rainy, windy, snowy, or stormy outside. Then I would follow the same process of printing. I could then have them share to the class what weather pattern they had and what they decided to draw for it.

2D Design

Description: The 2D Design project that we did was a 6th grade lesson. The lesson started with going over different habitats. We then practiced sketching two different habitats that would have at least 3 layers. After sketching two habitats we had to write a fact or characteristic of the habitat. Then, we picked on our our habitats that we sketched and started creating it with colored construction paper. We were creating our habitat to fit into a "polaroid frame." We layered the construction paper with different things that you would find in that habitat. For mine I decided to do an ocean habitat. I started with a blue background and then added sand, plants, rocks, fish, bubbles, an octopus, and a starfish. Finally, the last step was to glue to polaroid together and write our fact on the bottom. This project was a lot of fun and super easy to be creative with!

Extension Activity: An extension activity I could do with this project would be to do another habitat and then have the students write a couple paragraphs describing their habitat. They would have to include what plants and animals you would find in the habitat. They would also have to do some research and write about any new or interesting information they found about the habitat. A writing activity would be a good extension to this project.

Painting

Emotion Painting (4th grade): First we went through and practiced different types of painting. We did gradient wash, flat wash, crayon resist, blotting, sgraffitto, and wet on wet techniques. They would show us how to do each technique first and then we would do it ourselves. After doing all the techniques they read us a story about how everyone has a different view of art and how music can inspire us to create art. After reading the book we started our project. For our project, there were four different squares and we listened to four different songs. For each song, we had to think about how it made us feel and then paint how we felt. We were required to use at least two of the different techniques we learned earlier on in the lesson. This was a really fun way to express ourselves through art. It was fun to see how everyone felt during each of the songs and how everyone painted something different.

Extension Activity: Instead of playing music and having the students paint what they are feeling, I could use this project to help students think about how a character feels in a story. I could read the story to the students and then have them pick out one part of the story. I would then have them paint what they think the character was feeling during that part of the story. Then they could write about what they painted on the back of the paper.