“IF FACTS ARE THE SEEDS THAT LATER PRODUCE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM, THEN THE EMOTIONS AND THE IMPRESSIONS OF THE SENSES ARE THE FERTILE SOIL IN WHICH THE SEEDS MUST GROW.”
~ RACHEL LOUISE CARSON
7th Grade Overview
Our 7th graders explore the presence of the visual arts and design in their lives. We begin by examining art's role in communication, developing a visual "pitch" for an imagined product. We then turn to art's expressive powers, designing and creating an autobiographical self-portrait.
BE THE CHANGE | INVENTION CHALLENGE
Our first unit culminates with a self-directed assignment that challenges students to envision, plan and create an original, two-dimensional artwork. Their project must a) combine at least two different mediums, b) illustrate a principle of design, and c) communicate a personally-significant message.
LINK TO CLASS MATERIALS
Show, Don’t Tell :
The Midnight scoop
Drawing from observation challenges students to flatten their three-dimensional world into a collection of shapes and lines. One strategy we learn is to identify the simple shapes that make up more complex objects.
LINK TO CLASS MATERIALS
6-word memoirs | self-portraits
Our second unit, which focuses on sculptural techniques, challenges students to develop their own three-dimensional work that again expresses something personally-significant.
LINK TO CLASS MATERIALS
Swimming with Sharks :
Making our Pitch
Talking about our artwork in a more purposeful and meaningful manner requires new vocabulary. Introducing the 9 Principles of Design provide students additional tools with which to reflect upon their work and the work of others.
LINK TO CLASS MATERIALS