Division:  Middle School

Department: Fine and Performing Arts:  Visual Arts

Course Title/Code:  Visual Art Exploration      ARTVAEXP

(6^th grade, 1 trimester/ 2 days per week)

Course Description:  Students explore various media and are introduced to basic artistic principles.

Goals 

Sixth Grade Visual Arts classes are integrated with the World Cultures curriculum.  Students will receive an introduction to Visual Arts through activities reflecting artistic styles and techniques of the cultures from sixth grade history.  Due to the limited number of class times, students explore only 2 mediums during the trimester. 

Skills

·         Develop awareness of the diversity within the Visual Arts

·         Reinforce knowledge of color including primary, secondary, complementary, warm, cool, analogous, and monochromatic

·         Introduce methods and procedures for mixing new colors

·         Expand on student knowledge of the elements and principles of art

·         Learn the use of tools and techniques for various mediums

·         Acquire a greater understanding of the artist within, and how to better transmit feelings into visual images

·         Develop an enjoyment for the artistic process and obtain greater confidence 

Activities/Content

·         Students learn the ceramics techniques of coiling, pinching, slabbing, and glazing

·         Students explore another technique such as printmaking, handmade paper, weaving, or painting which correlates to their World Cultures unit 

Assessment

·         Art projects are graded on rubrics with specific criteria and expectations for each assignment.    (click here for MS assessment page)

·         Students receive studio grades, which reflect commitment to work during class.  This grade is based on the following criteria:

1.       Student is focused on class activities

2.       Student takes initiative to pursue excellence in work

3.       Student is able to work independently at appropriate times

4.       Student shows responsibility for cleaning and caring for art supplies 

Resources: The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

                     Know the Artists Program by Crystal Productions Company

                      Understanding Art by Rosalind Ragans and Jane Rhoades

                      Exploring Art by Gene Mittler and Rosalind Ragans

                      Various  internet sites are used by students conducting research