Fourth Grade: Geometric Design

This unit was actually from a few weeks ago but I'm late posting.  It's one of my favorites!  The students were learning about geometric shapes and forms at the time so it worked out great!

Op Art: shape

We started with black and white "Op Art" designs made by drawing either geometric or organic shapes and then cutting through them with lines.  The newly created shapes are then filled in with an alternating black and white "checkerboard" pattern. This project isn't hard but it requires patience, attention and neatness.  Generally students will either love it or hate it depending on their personalities.  It's best to start small and keep the design simple before trying to make a complicated design.

Newspaper Sculpture: Form

The previous project focused on shape.  Now we were ready to explore form.  The class spent the first day learning how to make tight sturdy tubes with newspaper, chopsticks and masking tape that would be used to create their geometric sculptures.

  
 




















 The next week we discussed geometric forms and joining techniques that would make their sculptures more sturdy.  In order to be successful they had to think like an artist and an engineer.

Second Grade: Camouflage

After working with color, line and pattern the previous two weeks we started our final project which combined all three elements. The second graders has been studying camouflage and this project ties into what they have been learning in the classroom.  Each student  started with a pre-printed lizard or chameleon.  They chose three watercolor pencils: one cool color and two warm colors OR one warm color and two cool colors.  They could use only these colors for the entire project.  The first step of the project was to pattern their lizard.  Then they would create a camouflaged background for it to "live" on.

After they finished patterning their lizards they cut them out and started designing the background.  They were instructed to use the same colors and make patterns compatible but not necessarily exactly like the lizard.

After they finished coloring the background they could use water to blend the watercolor pencil.  They could also use a sharpie if they wanted to define the outline.  (The lizards can be glued directly to the background or you can use foam tape to give give your lizard some relief).
 

Camouflaged Lizards and Chameleons

Kindergarten: Wind Socks

The kindergarten classes were learning about wind so our final project was to make patterned windsocks.