For our third Wonderlab lesson, the students arrived to class to find a mad scientist! This mad scientist implored the students to help her create the perfect pet by combining at least three animals together- and not just the animals, but the elements of the animals. Students suggested combining a household cat with a cheetah and a Trex, with the teacher speaking aloud different ideas of the combinations. The mad scientist reminded the students to use tissue paper to flesh out their colors and textures for the animals, then allowed the other teacher to remind students about the material rules. Students were tasked with using tissue paper, leading them to reference their previous class' experimentation with the medium. They had available markers, pencils, tissue paper and glue to elaborate their ideas, as well as laminated prints of animals to reference - the teachers reminded the students of the glue rules, informing them to keep their materials separate and use their paintbrushes in a certain way with the glue. These students were interested in the medium and in creating animals, however struggled with the combining of animals idea; the idea was too abstract. Some students leaned towards using the more familiar materials (pencils, markers) but incorporated tissue paper for the environment of the creatures, while most jumped into using the tissue paper, actively referencing the tissue paper application techniques they used from last class. Students were challenged to continue working on their projects even if they considered themselves done, and were asked what they created and why. Students were invited to watch an episode of the youtube series "Plonsters," as a reward for their effort and behavior in the class, and then the mad scientist asked for anyone's ideas of what would make the perfect pet. Answers varied from cats to dinosaurs to sharks, and the students seemed excited about their day. Inquiry/Learning Target:
The learning target for this class was for students to explore to create blended 3 animals together in their sketchbooks using tissue paper, markers, and crayons to create the perfect pet.
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 create their own vision of the world by reimagining what already exists
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
Taking risks
Documentation: For full documentation of this lesson for both kindergarten and third grade click the following links; (No Kinder B for this lesson)