School: Point Webster Middle School

School: Point Webster Middle School Phone: 617-984-6600 Instructor: Dorinda Vale Course: Visual Art Art Syllabus Grade 5 Visual Applications: Elements and Principles of Design Overview: Students will continue to incorporate a developing understanding of the elements and principles of design Course Description Grade 5 Students will integrate symbols and spatial systems to explore and define their expanding identity through a variety of materials and applications. Students will continue to incorporate a developing understanding of the elements and principles of design, as a means to enhance their visual expression. They will also begin to identify them in the art work of others. Students will demonstrate the ability to work with media, such as markers, pastels, tempera, acrylic, watercolor, various types of clay, and recycled materials. Emphasis will be placed on the refining of students’ skills, such as drawing, brush technique, and material manipulation. Students will continue to acquire art related knowledge, enabling them to distinguish characteristic features of different genres, styles, and techniques in their art work, as well as the art work of others.

Grade 6 Unit Theme: The Environment and Me: The Natural World Overview: Students will explore nature as a source of inspiration. Unit Theme: Art Connects the World: Art Reflects Our Lives Overview: Students will use personal experience as a source of inspiration. Unit Theme: Looking Into the Past: World Cultures and their Artistic Traditions Overview: Students will explore the art of world cultures.

Grade 7 Unit Theme: The Environment and Me: The Built Environment Overview: Students will explore human-made structures and 3-D forms Unit Theme: Art Connects the World: My Place in the World Community Overview: Students will investigate their place in the modern world Unit Theme: Looking into the Past: Artistic Expression in Ancient Civilizations Overview: Students will explore the art of the ancient world

Grade 8 Unit Theme: The Environment and Me: Invented Worlds Overview: Students will explore the use of fantasy in art. Unit Theme: Art Connects the World: The Power of Expression Overview: Students will explore the power of visual communication. Unit Theme: Looking into the Past: Art of America’s Westward Expansion Overview: Students will explore the art of Early America.

Course Description Grades 6, 7, & 8 Students will explore the visual arts in a series of art lessons based on the Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Frameworks in a sequential art program for grades 6, 7, and 8. A variety of methods, materials, and techniques will be used to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional visual art forms appropriate to each lesson, unit, and grade level. Using the elements and principles of design, students will use critical and creative thinking to visually express themselves, and the world around them. Students will use their imaginations and observation skills to create unique works of art, and they will learn about artists, art history, and multicultural art, relevant to units of study. Students will make connections between the arts, other academic disciplines, their everyday lives, and the world.

Instructional Materials Art reproductions, instructional posters, websites, artifacts, art books, art magazines, handouts, videos, teacher and student examples

Assessment Tools Art Portfolios Self-evaluations Class Participation Teacher observations Attendance Rubrics Reflective Writing Class Critiques

Homework Expectations Students are encouraged to keep a sketchbook and draw at home. Occasionally, students will be asked to bring in materials such as recyclables for specific art projects.

Makeup Procedure Students are expected to makeup incomplete and missing art assignments as homework or after school in the art room when necessary.

Grading Policy Grade 5 Students will receive an elementary standards-based report card, which outlines expectations of what students should master by the end of the school year. Students will receive a number, 1-4, based on the Quincy Public Schools Performance Levels for academic and learning behavior. The grading scale is: 4 – Student performance is advanced from the standard for the reporting period 3 – Student performance meets the standard for the reporting period 2 – Student performance toward the standard is at a beginning level for the reporting period 1 – With prompting & assistance student is unable/rarely able to meet the criteria for standard Additionally, there are Performance Levels for personal growth and development, homework & effort. They are: E (exceeds expectations), M (Meets expectations) and N (Does not meet expectations).

Grades 6, 7, & 8 Students receive an E (Excellent), S (Satisfactory) or U (Unsatisfactory) for their art grade each term based on their completed art assignments and class participation.

Art Room Rules and Expectations  Students are required to be on time with a pencil and be ready to learn  Students are to listen carefully to instructions and organize class time wisely  Students are expected to be respectful and do their best at all times  Students are required to keep a portfolio of their art assignments throughout the year  Students are to use art materials and tools safely and appropriately  Student art work should be thoughtfully completed to the best of one’s ability  Students are responsible for cleaning their work areas at the end of class  Unacceptable behavior may result in detention and when necessary a phone call will be made to the student’s home