Egyptian Pharaohs

Seventh graders learned about Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs through a power point I put together.  I also found a great lesson on Deep Space Sparkle that I purchased. You can find it here.  It really helped me break down the steps for the kids.  I gave them two choices front or side view, and for the side view I gave student the option to use a tracer for the profile of the face.  For me whatever they create if perfect because it is uniquely theirs, but if they can be happier with the help of a tracer to get them started- I'm all for it! They are then able to get more involved and put their efforts on the details and more creative areas of the project.  Students were given printouts of paintings of actual Egyptian Pharaohs with a variety of head-wear.  They were given creative freedom to create their own Egyptian inspired portrait.  They started the drawing with pencil, then traced with Sharpie, and then used tempera cakes to add color.  For a finishing touch I gave them silver, gold and bronze acrylic paint to add minor details.  

Oversized Characters

Oversized characters?  Yes please! My 8th graders came up with this theme on their own, I just told them it had to been oversized.  They worked in groups of 3 or 4 and used paper mache and acrylic paint.  

Zentangle Animals

 I have to say I can't get enough zentangles, not only do they keep the class busy, but they come out so great and the students really enjoy learning all kinds of designs.  I found theseZentangle Cards, and they are awesome.  One side explains how to create the pattern in easy step by step directions, and the other side of the card shows the finished result.  The students trade them when they are finished...except for the occasional few who hoard them!  This is a project I had my middle school enrichment group do.  I love how the colors make the animals pop!

Color Wheel Lesson

Color Wheel

8th grade students are given the assignment to create the entire color wheel using only primary colors and black and white.  They are required to have 4 sections within each fraction of the color wheel.  One for the color, one for it's tint, one for it's shade and one for the compliment.  They are encouraged to get creative with their designs, and I have to say they come out beautiful. I am in love with how they look up on the walls! I have them trace over each section with a king size sharpie to cover any uneven painted edges.  This lesson was inspired by the lesson on this site.

Trashion Fashion

Our green team had a fashion show where the students had to wear and create fashion from only recyclable  materials.  They asked me to help with a few dresses, and I couldn't wait to get started!  This was like my own personal project runway challenge...I was in heaven! Here are a few of my designs!    The first is made up of duct tape and straws, the next was magazine pages for the top and doilies for the skirt, the third is duct tape and newspaper, lastly the fourth is all garbage bags. I was obsessed with this whole project.