2-D Paper

For this project, we completed a 2-D paper activity. We began by discussing different environmental issues, and our lesson was also tied to Dr. Suess' The Lorax. The Lorax was the protector of trees, so we were challenged to create our own characters that were fighting against some global issue. We were also asked to create a slogan for our character.

For an extension activity, students could create a brochure featuring the character they created, and inside of it, they could list a number of different ways that the type of environmental issue they chose can be stopped. 

Art/Science Integration (Watercolor Landscapes)

For my Art/Science Integration lesson, I chose to teach a lesson on 4 different types of biomes (Forests, Grasslands, Tundras, and Deserts). I gave a short presentation on each, giving students a few facts about each one as well. I then discussed the idea of foreground, middle ground, and background with students, and how they can use each of these to create a landscape. Next, students were allowed to select the landscape that they would like to create, and they did a practice drawing of it on a note card. Once they were confident in what they would like to do, they then drew their finalized landscape on watercolor paper with a sharpie, and then painted their landscapes using various watercolor techniques that we discussed in class. Once they were finished, they wrote the type of biome landscape they drew, and three facts about it on a note card.

For an extension activity, students could go back after their paintings have dried and using magazines, cut and paste animals that they find onto their landscapes for the biome that they chose.

Art/Social Studies Integration

For this project, we discussed totem poles and their meanings. We learned about the history of the totem pole, what different totems symbolize, and even how the different colors used within the totems have symbolism. We then selected a totem and sketched it on a piece of paper, also including all the details we were going to add to the final project. To complete the project, we cut different colors of construction paper and glued them onto the outline of our totem. We finished by layering the totem with different colors to give them more details and characteristics. 

For an extension activity for this project, students could pick one of their favorite Disney characters, and we could create a Disney class totem, highlighting some of the most popular Disney movies and stories. 

Clay

For this project, we had the opportunity to work with clay. We began by discussing the history of clay, and the different functions that it has had throughout history. We were then given our own clay, which we rolled out and then traced our hands on to. We then cut out our hands and added a design to them. To create the design, we learned about adding and subtracting the clay as well as how to "slip" and "score" it as well. After we completed one hand, we then created another hand the same way to add to the class bowl that we created. We then painted the first hand we created and set it aside to dry. 

For an extension activity for this project, students could be asked to write a short poem based on the design that they created on their hands. They could even write a short story making up an adventure that their hand could have traveled on. 

3D Design

For this project, we focused on 3D design. We began by discussing the artist Claes Oldenburg, and how he has famous sculptures around the world. To complete this project, my partner and I painted paper plates using a solid color on one side and split colors on the other side. Once the paint dried, we connected each of the plates together to resemble something similar to a hot air balloon. While this lesson was about 3D design, a lot of color theory was used as well.

For an extension activity for this project, students could each of the colors on their balloon a different meaning, and with these meanings write a short reflection on what their balloon represents based on the colors that they chose to use. 

Crafts

For this project, we were taught about the basics of weaving. We learned about warp and weft, and a brief history of weaving. The warp of my weaving is red construction paper, and the wefts are black and purple strips. The weft papers are woven over, under, over, under on one row, and then under, over, under, over for the next row. This pattern continues throughout the weaving. We also added three symbols to our craft that describe our lives. My symbols were a dumbbell to represent my love for lifting weights, a PB for my love of peanut butter, and a white star to represent the Dallas Cowboy's logo. 

For an extension activity with weaving, students could write out a multiplication table on their weave so that when they pull a strip, it will reveal the answer to the problem that they are trying to solve. 

Printmaking

For this project, we began by discussing the history of printmaking and about the artist Hokusai. We created our prints by rolling paint onto a gel square, then adding a stencil to create a design. We then placed the paper on the gel square and rolled over the paper to transfer the design from the gel square to the paper. After we had completed at least 4 prints that we were satisfied with, we glued them onto a piece of construction paper. 

For an extension activity, we could go even more in-depth and using Chinese letter stencils that I would provide, students could print their own names. We could then string them together and hang them around the classroom.