Ancient Europe and Stained Glass Windows Art

For Jonathan and Robert Stahl's lesson we made stain glass projects. For this project we needed tissue paper, construction paper, note cards, scissors, glue stick, and an exacto knife. The teachers showed a powerpoint and on the notecard we wrote three things we learned from the powerpoint. Then they showed us how to make the stain glass art work. First we picked which picture we wanted to do a stain glass project. Then we chose a color of construction paper and stapled the white sheet of paper with our design onto it. Using the exacto knife we carved out the white parts of our image. Once that was done we used tissue paper and applied glue on the outside of the image. We were asked to use two color schemes in our project. Once we were finished applying the tissue paper then we cut around the outside of our image.

An extension activity for this would be looking at other color schemes we see around the room, at home, and in our community.

Elissa and I did a Nature Printmaking project for our lesson plan. For this project we needed styrofoam sheets, block ink, brayer, and construction paper. We asked the students to think of a nature background for their project and to sketch it on a sheet of paper. Once they had their sketch then Elissa showed the class how to etch the design into the styrofoam and to used different lines. Once their styrofoam was ready they picked a primary color and applied block ink using a brayer to their styromfoam being careful not to apply too much. Once that was done they were to use the complimentary color of construction paper to press their styrofoam onto getting the mirror image. Carefully they lifted up the styrofoam sheet.

An extension activity for this would be to do the same project except using a different theme such as animals or holidays.

Cave Art Comes Alive

For this project Miss Swenson and Miss Kranz asked us to remember an important event from our childhood. They discussed in prehistoric times are was used as a way to record stories and communicate with each other. For this project we received a piece of crumbled brown paper and colored mud mixed with water and tempera powder. We used the mud to create a picture we remembered from our childhood. We also used another natural element. I used a stick in my picture. In my picture I remembered climbing a tree at my grandma's house with my sisters and cousins.

An extension activity for Language Arts is have the students write the story about their memory to go with their picture and share it with the class.

Leaves Collage

Miss Huback and Miss Horkey introduced the leaf collage project. For this project we received three warm colored crayons; yellow, red, and orange. The teacher's showed us how to shave them on a wax sheet and stressed we shaved enough for our project to turn out. Once we had enough shaved the teachers folded our wax paper in half and used an iron to melt the crayons. Then we traced at least three leaf shapes onto the wax paper using a permanent marker and cut them out. Next we glued the waxed leaves on a sheet of paper making a collage. Using cool colored pastels; blue, purple, and green we added more leaf shapes to our collage and gave them an overlapping look.

An extension activity would be to have the students do other activities with fall. The students could write a story about their favorite fall memory and draw a picture to go along with it. This is like what we did on the notecard but students can elaborate by writing a story.

Under Water World Scratch Art

Miss Long and Mrs. Stadtler introduced the Under Water World Scratch Art. For this project we practiced scratching on a bookmark size black scratch paper using a wooden tool. Then we chose an under water animal we wanted to draw, I chose a turtle. First we practiced drawing ou animal on a sheet of white paper. Once I perfected drawing my animal then we traced it onto the black scratch paper. Then I made a background for my turtle. The materials we used for this project was black scratch paper, white sheet of paper with an animal, and a wooden tool.

An extension activity for a science class is to talk about the different types of animals and which ones you would find under water.

3D Bird

For the second student presentation we created a 3D bird. To begin the class we watched a video on youtube featuring cartoon birds. Then we were asked to create our own character by giving the bird a name and some brief information about our bird on an index card. Then we were given the outlines to our bird and we were able to decorate our bird however we wanted. There were tissue paper and feathers available. I used crayons and tissue paper to create my character. After the bird was cut out we folded on the dotted lines on the wings and glued them to the designated spot on the birds body. Then we cut a slit for where the tail goes and attached the tail to the bird's body. Then we hole punched on end of each wing and in the middle the upper body. Finally I tied a string at each hole and brought togther the three strings and tied all three strings together.

An extention activity for this project is discussing the different types of birds and where they would live. You could also talk about birds migrating. This would fit perfect with a science unit.

Beaded Necklace

For the first group presentation we were taught how to make a beaded necklace. We were given clay and the teacher candidates taught us how to knead the clay. Kneading the clay helps prevent air sockets within the clay. Then we rolled marble size balls and wrapped the clay around a skewer. Once the clay was dry we were able to paint on the clay using at least three colors. After the paint was dry we took the yarn to thread through the beads.

For an extention activity, the teacher could have students create a map of a different continent's countries. They could use the clay to represent land and paint the different countries and bodies of water.

Hidden Safari

The Safari lesson was directed towards 1st graders. To begin this lesson we made "magic ruby red glasses." We needed these glasses in order to see the safari animal. To make the glasses we used a glasses frame pattern, red construction paper 4" x12", red construction paper 1" by 12" for headband, and red cellophane 3" x 10." First we folded the 4 x 12 red construction paper in half and traced the glasses fram pattern. Then we cut the outside line and the inside curved shape to create the frame of the glasses. Next, we used a line of glue or tape to attach the red cellophane to the frame. Finally, our glasses are ready. We watched a short video clip of the Lion King. We were shown drawings of animals hidden and we tried to figure out what animal it was without using our glasses. Then we put the glasses on in order to see the hidden animal. We practiced contour lines by drawing upside down. Then we talked about cool and warm colors. We drew a safari animal using a cool color. Then, we used warm colors likes: red, orange, and yellow and created a repitive pattern design to try and hide our animal.
An extension activity for this activity is doing a scavenger hunt like this one with the other subjects. You could use it in science, social studies, reading, etc.

For this project we created a two page layout of a storybook. The project was based off of Eric Carle's artwork in his books. We first watched a video on Eric Carle and on how he creates his amazing images. Then we thought of an image we might want to use for our storybook layout. First we used paste paper and mixed paint together and created different designs. From these papers we painted on we would create our images from. While these were drying we took a 12 x 18 piece of paper to create our storybook character and design. We used the variety of paste paper colors to create our characters from. We traced shapes from the animal/character and cut them out and glued them onto the construction paper. The last thing we did was add a phrase to our storybook page.

Van Gogh Fingerpainting

Before we began the Van Gogh Fingerpainting, we watched a video on Vincent Van Gogh. The gave a brief summary of his life how he began his artwork, including Starry Night. Once the video was over we were able to do our own painting of "Starry Night." We had the option to try and mimic Van Gogh's "Starry Night" or we could do our own version of it. We were able to used a variety of colors and was encouraged to mix the paints to create a different hue, value, and intensity. The project was done on a 12 x 18 white sheet of paper. I thought the project was fun to create and I also liked being able to use our fingers. I think children would really enjoy this activity because they could be creative with their colors and and use their fingers instead of a paint brush.

For an extension activity a teacher could have their students what a story about their "Starry Night" project they completed. Write about the feelings of their painting or write what they think Vincent Van Gogh was feeling. This activity could be done with young children and older students.

Tissue Collage

The tissue paper collage was another activity we did to go along with Van Gogh's "Starry Night." For this project we used any color of 12 x 18 paper and glued different colors of tissue paper to it. The tissue paper was cut out in any shape and size. We covered the entire paper with the glue mixture. Once everything was dried, students cut out a city block (or another type of background) and glued it to the bottom of their 12 x 18 paper. Next students drew windows/doors on their buildings with a silver marker. Students also used the silver marker to create lines on the tissue paper and in the background. An extension activity would be to have the students cut out any type of background and use something other than tissue paper to use as their background.

Elements & Principles of Art

The blanket was taken to represent color. I thought it would work perfect because of all the colors used. The picture on the right was taken to show movement.

The picture in the center represents a line with the fishing pole and also the boat and tree branches

The picture on the right of the screen shows texture which was taken from home. Next, is my beach bag which is showing contrast between green and yellow.

All About Me!

The project I completed for art class was a foot project to tell a little about me. To begin is a my name. The last name "Becker" is my married name. I was recently married in July and I am enjoying the married life with my husband, Nick. Underneath my last name says, chocolate fudge. I absolutely love chocolate and I also enjoy baking. I love making homemade bread, cookies and anything sweet. Above my first name shows a dinner plate with chicken and vegetables. Not only do I enjoy baking but I also love cooking. I enjoy trying new recipes for Nick and I to try. I have been in the Army National Guard for over five years, this is why I put the American flag on my foot. The military has been a big part of my life the last five years and my husband comes from a military family which means the military will always be part of our lives. I have learn so much from the militray and has helped me gain qualities I didn't have before. I put a flower on my foot because I love the outdoors. I enjoy taking my daughter on stroller rides, walking, running, fishing, hunting, camping, and anything else outdoors. The two hearts on my foot represents my passion for children. I love kids and being part of their learning experiences. Finally, there is a hand. I traced my daughters hand because she is an extremely important part of my life. She was born February 11, 2010 and is a huge inspiration in my life.

Another way someone could use this project is having it lamenated and attached to their desk as a name sign. Teachers could also place them outside of the classroom in the hallway on the walls. I'm not a very good artist, instead I found other items to use. This project is great for student's who loves drawing but it also gives other students to be creative and finding other sources to use. For this project students only had a certain amount of space to work with. I don't like clutter so for my project I spaced everything out.