Elementary Art Integration Lesson
BALANCE CHALLENGE
Art Integration: Combining Geometry and Artmaking to Create Mobiles
GEOMETRY, BALANCE, SYMMETRY, AND COLLABORATIVE ART This lesson challenges students to work in groups to see who can create a balanced mobile first. Each group will be provided a mobile with a heavy geometric shape on one side and they will have to figure out how to make it balanced by attaching geometric 3-D paper shapes to the opposite side of the mobile. Creating Collaborative Mobiles out of 3-D Geometric Paper Shapes Lindsay Abramo Master of Arts in Teaching School of the Art Institute of Chicago [1]
2nd Grade Ruiz Elementary 2410 S. Leavitt St. Chicago, IL 60608
STUDENT WORK
EXEMPLAR
ArtIST INSPIRATION Inspired by Alexander Calder’s mobiles and the geometric sculptures of contemporary artists
Aaron S. Moran
Alexander Calder
Amila Hrustic Lindsay Abramo Master of Arts in Teaching School of the Art Institute of Chicago [2]
Lindsay Abramo Lesson Plan TITLE: Balance Challenge: Creating Geometric Mobiles GRADE LEVEL: Early Elementary (2nd Grade) TIMELINE: Two weeks (Two 90 minute class periods) DESCRIPTION: For this art integration lesson students will use geometric shapes to create a collaborative mobile that demonstrates asymmetrical balance. They will draw inspiration from Alexander Calder’s mobiles and the geometric sculptures of contemporary artists such as, Aaron S. Moran, John Powers, and Amilia Hrustic. This lesson is called Balance Challenge because the students will work in groups to see who can create a balanced mobile first. Each group will be provided a mobile with a heavy geometric shape on one side and they will have to figure out how to make it balanced by attaching geometric 3-D paper shapes to the opposite side of the mobile. For this challenge, each student will construct at least one 3-D geometric shape using a template printing on a sheet of paper. After the shapes are constructed, they will work in groups to combine their shapes into a 3-D geometric sculpture that will hang from one side of the mobile. The students will be given the opportunity to learn about geometry, balance and symmetry while creating collaborative artwork. Essential Questions: • How can symmetry be used in both math and art? • How does the combination of shapes affect both the visual and physical balance of a 3-D sculpture? • How can students work together to create a collaborative mobile? OBJECTIVES: • Use elements and principles of art to create their mobiles • Use fine motor skills to build geometric shapes and combine them together to create a mobile • Understand the connection between math, science, and art while using this knowledge to create a mobile • Draw inspiration from Alexander Calder’s mobiles and the geometric sculptures of contemporary artists such as, Aaron S. Moran, John Powers, and Amilia Hrustic
Lindsay Abramo - Elementary School Art Integration Lesson Plan - Balance Challenge
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STATE STANDARDS: STANDARD 1: Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Arts Standard 1 C: Elementary students will understand and use the elements and principles of art (line, color, texture, shape) in order to communicate their ideas STANDARD 2: Knowing and Using Arts Materials and Resources Standard 2 A: Elementary students will understand the characteristics of various mediums (two-dimensional, three-dimensional, electronic images) in order to select those that are appropriate for their purposes and intent STANDARD 3: Responding to and Analyzing Works of Art Standard 3 D: Elementary students will explain how ideas, themes, or concepts in the visual arts are expressed in other disciplines (e.g., mathematics, science, literature, social studies, etc.) STANDARD 4: Understanding the Cultural Contributions of the Arts Standard 4 B: Elementary students will look at a variety of art works and artifacts from diverse cultures of the United States and identify some distinguishing characteristics MOTIVATION / ACTIVITIES: • Day 1: • Presentation on balance (Balanced/unbalanced and symmetrical/asymmetrical balance) • Assess students prior knowledge by asking students questions throughout presentation • Demo on how to create 3-D geometric shapes • Students choose their own 3-D geometric shapes and construct at least one • Day 2: • Review what we talked about last class • Introduce artist inspiration (Alexander Calder, Aaron S. Moran, John Powers, and Amilia Hrustic) • Introduce balance challenge • Show exemplar • Students work in groups to glue their shapes together and create a balanced mobile CLOSURE: • The students mobiles will be hung up in the classroom and the students will reflect on the balance challenge they just completed ADAPTATIONS FOR EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS: • If the students have difficulty constructing 3-D geometric shapes out of paper, they will have the ability to use pre-made shapes that they can decorate and make their own. This will allow students to play an active role in the project.
Lindsay Abramo - Elementary School Art Integration Lesson Plan - Balance Challenge
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MATERIALS: • Glue (glue sticks and Elmer's glue) • Scissors • Markers and oil pastels • 3-D geometric shape templates • Pre-made mobiles (paint stir sticks, wire, and 3-D paper geometric shapes) SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS: Powerpoint, artist inspiration images, visual step by step, and exemplars ARTIST INSPIRATION:
Alexander Calder, Mobiles
Aaron S. Moran, Wood Sculptures
Amila Hrustic, 3-D Geometric Shape Dresses
John Powers, Geometric Sculptures
EXEMPLAR:
Lindsay Abramo - Elementary School Art Integration Lesson Plan - Balance Challenge
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HOW TO
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make GEOMETRIC BALANCE
COLOR geometric SHAPE
MOBILES
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CUT along the edges
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STEP-BY-STEP FOLD along the inside lines and tabs
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Apply GLUE to the outside of the 3D shape
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Work together and CONNECT your shapes
GLUE the tabs into place to create the 3D shape
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HANG shapes on your mobile to create balance
Lindsay Abramo - Master of Arts in Teaching - School of the Art Institute of Chicago