Serving Art Educators
and Students Since 1994
Unit of Study: Mixed Media
Lesson Title: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL
Grade Level: 7 - 8th grades
Vocabulary
Value Vocabulary
Color Vocabulary
Resources:
Sketchbooks, Computer
, artists’ & students’ examples
Supplies:
12"x18" (30.5 x 46 cm) White Sulfite Drawing Paper, Rulers
, #2 Drawing Pencils
, Ebony Pencils
, AquaMarkers, magazines, photos, ink pens, Crayons, Kneaded Rubber Erasers
, Colored Pencils
,
etc.
Evaluation:
See the rubric for this assignment.
OBJECTIVES:
1. The student will learn about mind mapping and use this brainstorm technique to help in designing his or her finished composition.
2. The students will use the
computer, digital photos, knowledge of elements of design and
principles of design to design a finished composition reflecting what
"America the Beautiful" means to them.
PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW:
1. Using the MIND MAP technique, you need to brainstorm at
least 10 things that "America the Beautiful" means to you. Think
of symbols that that you may want to use. Students will go to
computer lab and use websites and search engines provided by
teacher. Remember to use key words in searches.
2. Students will than use the mind map technique with images, words, and color. Students will use
Images found as a resource. No copying is allowed. Sketch and color quickly in your sketchbook.
3. Decide on an image you would like as the focal point and where you would like to place it on the paper. Take time to experiment before you decide. Your placement may change as you continue to work with your composition.
4. Start your project now on the sulfite paper. Use at least 5 ideas to represent what "America the Beautiful" means to you. Reflect on your mind map for ideas, designs, etc.
Really concentrate on where you would like to place your designs, always experiment with your design and keep the movement flowing throughout. Experimenting with shading, reflections and shadows are a must!
Use magazines, computer, photographs, or your own imagination to stimulate visual representations for each of your ideas. Example: Photos of your family or pictures that you have taken.
5. Remember that PLACEMENT, COLOR ARRANGEMENT and use of
ELEMENTS OF DESIGN and PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN are VERY
IMPORTANT!
6. BE CREATIVE AND USE CRAFTSMANSHIP!
America the Beautiful, By Ricardo
"America the Beautiful" is a phrase that means a lot to me.
It means beauty, flourishing cities and valleys, and beaches with seashells and clear blue waters.
It means freedom and justice.
It means, "the people."
When the towers fell, we mourned as one;
We helped each other as one would help another.
We all got up and set to work, donating and clearing away and cleaning.
We didn't fall apart, we didn't stop progress.
We took it day-by-day and step-by-step working together for our country.
"America the Beautiful" means dreams, and dreams of fulfillment.
[We have] dreams and education, and after graduating, have the opportunity of being someone and making a difference.
But it's not just about dreaming, because that's what every other country does. It's also about your dreams becoming realities.
NOTE: This lesson was submitted in the early days of IAD when teachers had no scanners or digital cameras to take pictures of student work.
EVALUATION FOR: "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL"
Possible Points |
Criteria |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Very Good |
Mastery |
20 |
|
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20
|
25 |
Creativity in the positioning of images and portrait using negative space, overlapping, etc. to achieve a feeling of depth in the picture.
|
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
25
|
Use of art elements and design principles to achieve a BALANCED COLOR COMPOSITION. (Shadows & Shading) |
5 |
10 |
15 |
20 |
25 |
10 |
Neatness of presentation. Sharp clean lines and colors applied with care. CRAFTSMANSHIP!
|
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
20 |
|
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
100 pts Comments: Total_________
Name: Per: Date: