Currently: STEAM Cell Abstraction
-Students are currently researching and discussing the basic structures and functions of a plant and animal cell, identifying and comparing each part, in their science classroom.
-In art class we are extending that learning by challenging the students to use their understanding of the Elements of Art to create an abstracted plant or animal cell illustration.
-Students are exploring a variety of water color processes while adding color to their illustrations.
-Students’ work will be hung in the hallway, and uploaded to Artsonia as soon as it is completed.
-In art class we are extending that learning by challenging the students to use their understanding of the Elements of Art to create an abstracted plant or animal cell illustration.
-Students are exploring a variety of water color processes while adding color to their illustrations.
-Students’ work will be hung in the hallway, and uploaded to Artsonia as soon as it is completed.
Learning Timeline:
To reinforce what the students are learning in Science class, I decided to create a lesson around abstraction and scientific illustrations. As a review to what the students have been learning, we watched a brief informational video about the major parts of plant and animal cells, such as, the nucleus, cell membrane, cell wall, and cytoplasm.
After our review, I explained that we would be creating our own abstracted cell illustrations. Students were given the choice to decide which type of cell they would like to create, a plant or an animal cell. I then modeled for the students how to draw the major parts within each cell, while encouraging them to consider their overall composition. Once the students had a clear understanding of the lesson's objectives, the returned to their seats to begin sketching their illustrations with pencil. Helpful posters and informational handouts were also supplied, to ensure all students had ample opportunity to be successful.
After our review, I explained that we would be creating our own abstracted cell illustrations. Students were given the choice to decide which type of cell they would like to create, a plant or an animal cell. I then modeled for the students how to draw the major parts within each cell, while encouraging them to consider their overall composition. Once the students had a clear understanding of the lesson's objectives, the returned to their seats to begin sketching their illustrations with pencil. Helpful posters and informational handouts were also supplied, to ensure all students had ample opportunity to be successful.
In our next session, the students will finalize their sketches, and create a legend with each cell part found within their illustration. Before adding color to our cells we will practice six different watercolor techniques. Finally, Students will choose at least four of these techniques to use in their final illustration.
If students finish early there are several additional resources to enhance and reinforce our study of plant and animal cells, and their major parts.
If students finish early there are several additional resources to enhance and reinforce our study of plant and animal cells, and their major parts.
Just Finished: ART TO GROW
The Dixon Art to Grow, community outreach program, will be coming to our classroom September 18-22nd. The colorful Art to Grow van and its talented and creative instructors will bring art and nature to our classroom. The curriculum offered provides students with stimulating and creative experiences that teach art concepts, techniques, and history.
Students will learn about succulents. They will discuss the life cycle, physical traits, and habitat of the succulent and will be shown several photographs of different succulent species. Students will be asked to use model magic to create a realistic succulent on a miniature scale. They can use markers to color the tips of the succulent leaves. While students are molding their clay succulents, a few students at a time will come back to the "sand station". Students will be given a clear plastic container and will use colored sand to layer a base for their clay succulents. Finally, they will place their succulent on top of the sand to create a finished terrarium.
Students will learn about succulents. They will discuss the life cycle, physical traits, and habitat of the succulent and will be shown several photographs of different succulent species. Students will be asked to use model magic to create a realistic succulent on a miniature scale. They can use markers to color the tips of the succulent leaves. While students are molding their clay succulents, a few students at a time will come back to the "sand station". Students will be given a clear plastic container and will use colored sand to layer a base for their clay succulents. Finally, they will place their succulent on top of the sand to create a finished terrarium.
How does this relate to the Curriculum?
Like most lessons in the art room, this lesson is interdisciplinary, meaning it incorporates the visual art standards, but also standards from other subjects. This lesson specifically focuses on the Tennessee State Academic Standards for Visual Art and Science.
Tennessee State Academic Standards: Visual Art:
Standard 1.0- Media, Techniques, and Processes: Students will understand and apply media, techniques, and processes.
Standard 2.0- Structures and Functions: Students will use knowledge of structures and functions.
Standard 3.0- Evaluation: Students will choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.
Standard 6.0- Interdisciplinary Connections: Students will make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
Tennessee State Academic Standards: Science:
Standard 2- Interdependence: All life is interdependent and interacts with the environment.
Standard 4- Heredity: Plants and animals reproduce and transmit hereditary information between generations.
Standard 5- Biodiversity and Change: A rich variety of complex organisms have developed in response to a continually changing environment.
Tennessee State Academic Standards: Visual Art:
Standard 1.0- Media, Techniques, and Processes: Students will understand and apply media, techniques, and processes.
Standard 2.0- Structures and Functions: Students will use knowledge of structures and functions.
Standard 3.0- Evaluation: Students will choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.
Standard 6.0- Interdisciplinary Connections: Students will make connections between visual arts and other disciplines.
Tennessee State Academic Standards: Science:
Standard 2- Interdependence: All life is interdependent and interacts with the environment.
Standard 4- Heredity: Plants and animals reproduce and transmit hereditary information between generations.
Standard 5- Biodiversity and Change: A rich variety of complex organisms have developed in response to a continually changing environment.