Project #5 - Printmaking Robots
The final project for 4th graders this year deals with the process of printmaking. Students begin this unit by talking about what printmaking is and discussing the different types of printmaking. Students then begin sketches for their piece of scratchboard, with the theme of robots in mind. Once sketches are complete, students tape their designs to a piece of scratchboard and begin tracing over their lines. After tracing their lines once, students take off the designs and trace directly onto the scratchboard to make their lines even deeper. Once the second tracing is complete, the fun begins. Students use brayers to ink their scratchboards and begin pulling prints.
Printmaking Robots Rubric
The final project for 4th graders this year deals with the process of printmaking. Students begin this unit by talking about what printmaking is and discussing the different types of printmaking. Students then begin sketches for their piece of scratchboard, with the theme of robots in mind. Once sketches are complete, students tape their designs to a piece of scratchboard and begin tracing over their lines. After tracing their lines once, students take off the designs and trace directly onto the scratchboard to make their lines even deeper. Once the second tracing is complete, the fun begins. Students use brayers to ink their scratchboards and begin pulling prints.
Printmaking Robots Rubric
Project #4 - Modigliani Self-Portrait
The fourth project for 4th graders this year is to create a self-portrait inspired by the proportions and style of Italian artist, Amedeo Modigliani. The 4th graders begin this lesson by completing a visual thinking activity studying the work of Modigliani. They then look at images of African masks and note similarities between Modigliani's portraits and the African Masks. Students then begin their own self-portraits, staying true to the style of Modigliani. Once the proportions are mapped out, students blend oil pastels to add color to their self portraits. Below you can find the rubric for this project as well as past project examples.
Modigliani Self-Portrait Rubric
Modigliani Self-Portrait Rubric
Project #3 - Oaxacan "Woodcarving"
The third project for 4th graders this year is to create an animal out of clay in the style of a Oaxacan woodcarving. The 4th graders begin this project by watching a video featuring Oaxacan artist, Zeny Fuentes. We then spend a class discussing the Oaxacan tradition and how it differs from other types of art. Students then sketch their animal idea and break the animal down into basic forms in their sketchbooks. Before beginning the building process, we discuss how to attach clay forms using slip and score. Fourth grade students have two days to build their animals. Once the animals are dried and bisque fired, students paint their animals using tempera paint in the Oaxacan style. Below you can find the rubric for this project as well as past project examples.
Oaxacan Woodcarving Rubric
Oaxacan Woodcarving Rubric
Project #2 - Matisse Goldfish Reproduction
The second project this year will be for 4th graders to create a mixed-media reproduction of Henri Matisse's "Goldfish 1912." For this project, students will study different elements of composition, and learn how to use visual "tricks" to achieve certain effects. Students will begin this project by creating a focal point and expand from there. Materials for this project include oil pastel, colored pencil, tempera paint, and watercolor paint. Below you can find the rubric for this project, as well as Henri Matisse's painting and past 4th grade examples.
Project #1 - Sketchbook Cover
The first project this year will be for 4th graders to design a sketchbook cover. While this is one of the shorter projects we will do this year, students will still be expected to demonstrate particular skills in the design of their sketchbook cover. After the sketchbook covers are completed, students will then staple paper to the inside in order to create a sketchbook. We will use these sketchbooks throughout the year to record thoughts and sketch ideas. Please see the rubric below to view the criteria for this project.
Sketchbook Cover Rubric
The first project this year will be for 4th graders to design a sketchbook cover. While this is one of the shorter projects we will do this year, students will still be expected to demonstrate particular skills in the design of their sketchbook cover. After the sketchbook covers are completed, students will then staple paper to the inside in order to create a sketchbook. We will use these sketchbooks throughout the year to record thoughts and sketch ideas. Please see the rubric below to view the criteria for this project.
Sketchbook Cover Rubric