6 sessions; 45 minutes per session

1. SWBAT create the illusion of form by interlocking shapes
2. SWBAT create realistic models of space vehicles

1. Access to computers for student research
2. Cardboard, lots of cardboard!
3. Scissors or craft knives
4. Hot glue guns
5. Acrylic paint and/or spray paint


(Some students used leftover spray paint & tissue paper scraps for their rockets)

Need these materials? Visit Blick!

1. Discuss "form" as part of discussion on Art Elements.
2. Demonstrate how to create forms by interlocking two shapes (I used posterboard to create a tree shape for my quickie demo)- cut a slit DOWN from top to center on one shape, cut a slit UP to center on the second, then slide them together. Shapes look more complicated with more interlocking shapes.
3. Students pair up & research space travel. They could then choose to create a rocket, shuttle, satellite, or rover. Make sketches for their sculpture. (I required that vehicles had to stand by themselves or have a base to prop it up. I demonstrated how to make a stand by folding a triangle base in a strip of cardboard and gluing it to another strip. Cut a slit or curve in the top to hold the rocket. See photos for example.)
4. Students draw shapes on cardboard and cut out (we had better luck drawing on paper and tracing on the cardboard when multiples of the same shape were needed).
5. Students assemble pieces and use glue guns to glue the seams.
6. Students paint their space vehicles. Make sure all plastic tape is removed first to prevent paint flaking.

Students presented their space vehicles in a class critique, with other students able to ask questions.

1. http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/history/
2. http://www.aerospace.org/education/inspiring-the-next-generation/space-primer/a-brief-history-of-space-exploration/
3. Wikipedia: "rover (space exploration)," "space shuttle," "launch vehicle," etc.

Black spray paint worked really well for the bases.

A student brought in metallic spray paint to share, which looked great. Only ran into problems when one group tried to add painted details on top & it flaked off.

Got great projects from both high and low students, so they went to the library for display with 6th grade solar system projects!

[5-8] Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas

[5-8] Students generalize about the effects of visual structures and functions and reflect upon these effects in their own work

[5-8] Students select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of their ideas

[5-8] Students describe ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines taught in the school are interrelated with the visual arts

Form

Sculpture

Science