Sax Mural Magic

Lesson Plan, Grades 6-12, Art, Science, Sax

Description

Learning is more than an individual effort. It's a collaborative process. Your students will see that clearly as they work together to create an underwater mural that offers a visual representation of their discoveries in both art and science. With this project, there is ample opportunity for customization. Midwestern students might create a freshwater mural; those on the Eastern seaboard might opt for saltwater marsh life. The possibilities are as boundless as students' imaginations! In every case, students engage in scientific inquiry and show off what they've learned.

Objectives

  • Students will observe the structure and function of a living earth system. Students will portray this living earth system in a habitat mural, illustrating its structure as part of a hydrosphere.
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Supplies Needed

Sax® True Flow® Mural Paint, assorted colors
Sax® True Flow® Fluorescent Acrylics, 6-pint set, assorted colors
Sax® Platinum Acrylic Medium, 1 quart
Liquitex® Free Style™ Giant Mural Brush
Liquitex® Free Style™ Large Scale Brush SetLiquitex® Free Style™ Detail Mural Brushes, assorted sizes
Fredrix® Paint it Yourself Classroom Mural Canvas
Sax® Classroom Mural Easel™

Standards

CONTENT Standard #1:
Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes.
CONTENT Standard #3:
Choosing, arranging and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols and ideas.

Instructions

Teacher preparation: Gather tidbits of sea life to orient students to the theme, including seashells, skeletal remains, photographs and student stories. Arrange a trip to the local science center or aquarium.With the students:

1

Discuss the structure and function of living earth systems, covering habitat and identifying and comparing elements of different systems.

2

Decide on the orientation and scale of the mural. Make small sketches of various fish and plant species to help determine the mural's overall design and colors. Transfer these sketches to the Classroom Mural Canvas, scaling and combining them as desired.

3

Identify which elements of the mural each class member will paint.

4

Gather the materials needed: acrylic paints, brushes, paint rollers, sponges and drop cloths or butcher paper to cover tables or protect the floor.

5

Attach mural canvas to Sax® Classroom Mural Easel™ with zip ties. Do not fully tighten zip ties until all are attached. Begin tightening each zip tie equally starting with the corners first. Tighten all zip ties completely so there is tension on the canvas.

6

Using large brushes, paint the background with bands of color, showing the habitat above the water's surface as well as below it.

7

Using smaller brushes, paint the aquatic animals, plant life and the like, starting with dark colors and progressing to light ones.

8

Assess the mural as a whole as work on it progresses. Ensure that the colors throughout work together and that each section has the same brightness of color, overall feel and level of imagination.

9

Let the mural dry.

10

Soften the outlines of the aquatic animals and plant life to make them look like they are underwater by dabbing on water-thinned acrylic paint with a sponge.

11

Give the mural a 3-D feel by painting shadows, highlights and reflections. Dry.

12

Curate the completed mural by signing, dating and titling it.