Stir It Up Mixing with Primary Colors
This lesson introduces the concept of primary colors and paint mixing to kindergarten students. Knowledge of the primary colors is extremely important to any future endeavors in painting. Once a student learns that all colors can be derived from the primary colors, they will realize that there are a multitude of colors that can be produced. The importance of this lesson is found not only in the mixing of the primary colors, but also in the emphasis upon creative problem solving. Grade Level:
Kindergarten
Time Required:
30-45 minutes
Materials:
tempera paint (red, yellow, blue) paint brush (1 per student) paint cups (one per pair) water containers (one per pair) supply trays (one per pair) newspaper crayons construction paper (8”x11”, one per student)
Vocabulary:
Primary Colors: Red, yellow, and blue. Colors that can be mixed to make any other color under the sun. Text:
Color Dance
by Ann Jonas
Objectives: • Students will be able to define the term “primary color” • Students will mix green and orange using the primary colors • Each student will create a painting of a pumpkin using tempera paint Procedure: Set Up: Step-by-step pictorial instructions will be hung at the front of the classroom. One pumpkin will be placed on each table. All materials will be placed on the supply table. Water containers and paint cups will be filled in advance. The proper supplies will be distributed on each tray. Introduction: The class will gather around the demonstration table. Define primary color and the three main colors that qualify. Inform students that they are going to be painting the pumpkins they see at their desks using the primary colors. Ask the class if anyone knows how to make orange out of the primary colors. Demonstrate pouring half of the yellow paint into red paint and the proper way to mix using a brush. Inform students that they will be
able to choose the color of construction paper for the background. Paint a pumpkin on a piece of construction paper. Stress importance of using the whole piece of paper. Demonstrate how to clean brush in water can. Point out that pumpkins often have a green stem and green leaves attached in the examples. Mix the remaining yellow into the blue paint cup with a brush and paint a leaf onto the construction paper. Extras like grass may be added. Ask the students to repeat the steps necessary to complete the art project. Execution: The students return to their seats. Each pair is given a tray containing cups of the three primary colors, two paintbrushes, and a water container. Use 3x as much yellow as blue and red. Distribute construction paper to each table, giving students permission to begin. Students will first pouring half of their yellow paint into their red paint and mix with their brush to make orange. Then paint the pumpkin on the paper. Students will pour remaining yellow paint into their blue paint cup, mixing with brush. Students then paint stem, leaves etc. on pumpkin. Students wash out brushes and place all supplies on tray. Reflection: Conduct the reflection segment. Leave the trays on tables to jog the students’ memories in during the question time. Ask comprehension questions such as: What are the THREE PRIMARY COLORS? What colors did you use to make ORANGE? What colors did you use to make GREEN? Motivational Material: A pumpkin will be placed upon each table, providing the students with a real-life example. Step-by-step pictorial instructions located at the front of the room. Assessment: Formative: Teacher and student discussion throughout project. Summative: Class discussion after completion. Vermont Standards: 1.16 Students use a variety of forms, such as dance, music, theater, and visual arts, to create projects that are appropriate in terms of the following dimensions: skill development, reflection and critique, making connections, approach to work. 5.29 Students use the elements and principles of two- and three-dimensional design in the visual arts, including line, color, shape, and texture, in creating, viewing, and critiquing. Lesson Adaptations: Adaptations may be made for students with limited control over motor skills. Students will be able to work on a larger scale, with the assistance of a larger brush and paper. Extensions: The project could be expanded into an entire pumpkin patch scene or a collection of all things orange and green. For older students, experimentation with mixing using varying amounts of each primary color could expand their knowledge of the color spectrum. The color wheel can also be produced.