Our second Wonderlab lesson was all about getting our students exploring with new, fun materials, tools and techniques in their brand new sketchbooks! We wanted to create an opportunity for students to discover the materials provided through their own, unique processes. This produces learning that is genuine, meaningful and enduring. To accomplish this we did not instruct students on WHAT they were making, but on possibilities HOW to make with the given materials. We loosely called these images "collages" which a few students were able to share the definition of with their peers! The materials we chose to work with were tissue paper squares of various colors, watered down Elmer's glue, paint brushes and markers. Tissue paper is a great material to explore with since it is easily manipulated and can produce many outcomes. Once we had demonstrated the skill of using the paintbrush in the modge-podge glue properly, students were asked to guide the demo. First we glued down a square piece of tissue, then let students pick the second color. The students were prompted to suggest how the tissue could be manipulated or changed before applying it to the page. Ideas like ripping the tissue, crumpling it or layering it were brainstormed all while being demonstrated as the ideas flowed. The students were then asked what other materials could be layered on their collages and we discovered that marker could be added to make our images even more interesting. There were endless possibilities! During this learning experience students produced an abundance of self-discovered ways to approach tissue paper collage. Some layered colors over one another to create new colors, some ripped the tissue paper and combined it with drawing to create images like dragons or people. Some pushed the material as far as it could go by adding so much glue that the color leeched from the tissue and they were able to paint with it. More than a few students connected the delicate nature of the tissue to that of a flower and chose to create flowers in their sketchbooks. Others saw the ability to build up the tissue into 3-dimensional forms creating bridges or simply crumpling the tissue into little puffs that dotted their pages. It was incredible to see the ideas that formed when students were given the freedom to express themselves while learning a new medium! Inquiry/Learning Target:
The learning target for this class was to introduce the possibility of sketchbooks not being just for sketching, and for learning new skills of tissue paper application and using glue with paint brushes.
Key Concepts:
Utilizing other materials creates new possibilities for making
Sketchbooks can be used for more than sketching
Sketchbooks are a way to contain a collection of art
Essential Understandings:
Artists and designers use new materials and new skills in their sketchbooks to express themselves and the world around them
Skills:
Listening to instructions
Sharing
Creative problem solving
Respecting others
Cleaning materials
Taking care of materials
Keeping items separate from each other
Keeping area clean
Documentation: For full documentation of this lesson for both kindergarten and third grade click the following links;