Pout pout fish model magic

Pout pout fish sculpture project with model magic.  This was a fun lesson! Students learned about form and color mixing through the use of model magic.  We first read "The Pout Pout Fish Goes to School" and then discussed some features of the fish.  We also discussed the difference between shape and form.  When they got to their seats they were given model magic and were allowed to experiment and play for about 15 min.  I gave them some ideas on the board to try (try to make a sphere, cone, snake...etc).  We then created cone shapes together and pressed our fingers into the wide end to form the mouths.  We let them dry over night. The next day students were given liquid water colors to paint their fish, and a small amount of white model magic to create the eyes.  Then we let them dry again.  On the third day I took out the colored model magic (red, yellow and blue) We reviewed what primary colors were and how to use the color wheel to make secondary and tertiary colors.  As students gave me instructions on how to creat the new colors, "You make green by mixing yellow and blue!," I gave them pieces of the model magic to mix together.  As they gave it back to me mixed I placed it on chart paper and we formed our own color wheel.  They were so excited to do this, it was a great teaching moment! Students were then allowed to go back to their seat to create fins and details with the colored model magic, I think they came out adorable! Next time I will try to get them to make their fish a bit more round and wide.  

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.  

Paper Mache Pets

This activity really exceeded my expectations, we have all had those lessons that seem like a great idea on Pinterest and don't always pan out when you execute them!  I wasn't sure if this would be one or not, but I had to try it because they were so cute! And I have to say, the kids were great in this class which helped.  They were able to finish these in about one week. 

 To begin I gave  each student a piece of poster board about 9x12 and I traced a curved edge on one side, they cut the line I traced.  I had them tape it into a cone shape (the curved edge they cut out went on the wide end of the cone) it gave it a flat bottom without them having to figure out how to get it to stand flat.  This would have taken too much time in my opinion.  

Next they created a ball out of newspaper and taped it to the point of the cone.  They then added a couple more pieces to it to make it larger, and shaped it with masking tape.  Students then had to decide if they were making a cat or dog.  If they were making a cat they had to add a small flattened ball to the front of the face, and for a dog a bigger longer snout.  

They were given tracers for the ears, long rounded ones or triangular pointed ones.  Dogs could use either, cats just pointy ones.  Students taped them on as well.  And then I had students create two legs and paws going down the front of the body.  If we had more time (we started these a week before xmas break) I would have shown them how to add back legs and a tail, so that will be an addition next time.  They covered everything in tape, and we then put paper mache on top of the tape  (although I am not sure how necessary this was.)  

Students were allowed to be as creative as they wanted with painting their pets.  They first chose an overall color, and the following day added details.  We used Sharpies to create the outline of the eyes, nose and mouth.  We looked at pics of dogs and cats to come up with overall guidelines for each animal.  The nose was the most obvious- for dogs it was larger and cats had a much smaller nose.  Most decided on simple black dot eyes, and for the cat whiskers we used pipe cleaners.

And finally, the collar!  I loved this finishing touch.  The students were given silver cardstock and ribbon to create a personalized collar for their pet.  They love their pets and I do too!! 

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.  

Sugar Skull Two Take

I have been wanting to try one of these for quite some time, and I finally got my thoughts wrapped around how I would do it and what I would have the students make. I love the Day of the Dead decorations and what the Mexican holiday stands for.  And I knew I wanted to do this project with that subject in mind.  I had the students make two candy skulls they colored the positive space of one and the negative space of another.(9 X 12 paper)  They then drew and cut each art work into strips that were the width of a ruler.  They also drew these same line with the ruler on a piece of construction paper (12X18).  They glued the pieces in order on every other strip of the construction paper and then folded it like a fan.  I then hot glued the "fan" to a separate sheet of construction paper so that i could mount it on the bulletin board.  I have never had so many compliments!  Everyone loved the double image, and how creative the kids were with their designs.

Wild Things

First graders were read, "Where the Wild Things Are" and taught lessons on lines and line patterns. We then did a water color resist where students were given freedom to create their own monsters.  On the board I gave them several choices for body types, eyes, mouths...etc. They could choose from my examples, from the monsters in the book or create their own.  They filled their monsters in with line patterns.  and colored them with water colors.  

Dragons

Love these colorful dragons! I always like to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a variation of a dragon in the hallway. These are one of my favorites!