Art Lessons in the Classroom Figures in Action

ART LESSONS IN THE CLASSROOM THIRD GRADE LESSON 5

FIGURES IN ACTION

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Teach in multiple sessions Students create a 3-dimensional human figure in wire.

PROBLEM TO SOLVE: Approximates a drawing of How can the human figure be represented in space? a human figure in a specific

STUDENT UNDERSTANDING: pose. Suggesting form by defining volume with line can show pose and gesture and relationship of the figure to space.

LEARNING TARGETS AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The student:

LT: Uses a gesture drawing to inform 3-D sculpture. Bends wire to make curves and creates volume. AC: Selects and references prior drawing associated with a specific activity in making wire form. VOCABULARY LT: Creates a wire sculpture. Art: AC: Bends and secures wire to make curves and volume/3-  three-dimensional dimensionality (height, width and depth) for a human figure  figure in a specific pose.  form  gesture

 sculpture  volume EVIDENCE OF LEARNING MATERIALS

Art: Process Drawing Resources: Mark Tobey, Folk Dance  uses a preliminary drawing to inform 3-D sculpture by selecting a on Independence Day, drawing associated with a specific activity MAC

 bends wire to make curves Art Materials:

 creates volume aluminum or copper wire:18-20 gauge,  approximates a human figure in a specific pose cut to 18 inch lengths, 3 per student to start; color coated wire

© 2014 ArtsEd Washington/Third Grade lesson: Figures in Action p1 INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS TEACHER STUDENT Revisits gesture drawing by Mark Tobey, and emphasizes 3- As a group, students dimensionality of sculpture. Assigns students to groups of review each other’s three to five. Demonstrates referencing ‘bank’ of gesture draw- drawings and assist each ings (from previous lesson) to stimulate selection of pose for a other in selecting the sculpture. Guides student groups in reviewing prior gesture drawings, drawing that will become then selecting one to use as a reference in developing a wire sculpture. their wire sculpture. Encourages discussion about verbs noted on each drawing.

Prompts: Which drawing best expresses the verb and action that you set out to capture in your gesture drawing? Listen to feedback from your group. Imagine the lines of your drawing becoming a three dimensional form rather than just being flat. How would they change? Demonstrates bending wire ends for safety and wrapping wire Manipulates wire to to approximate pose seen in gesture drawing. create a 3-dimensional Prompts: human form. First make a small bend or loop on the ends of your wires to protect eyes. Imagine the wire is your pencil line in your gesture drawing. Embedded Assessment: Think about suggesting the pose of the figure without needing any Criteria-based self- detail. Bend the wire around a cylindrical object like a pencil, ruler or assessment dowel to help make curves and to build the 3-dimensional shape. Remember that it requires time and patience to build a form out of wire. Attach and secure shapes by wrapping/twisting to bind them together.

Facilitates group reflection where students identify or interpret Reflects on sculptures. actions expressed in peer’s sculptures.

LESSON EXPANSION EVERYDAY CONNECTIONS LEARNING STANDARDS Students combine wire sculptures Home/Community Visual Art to create their collaborative scene References: 1.1.1 Elements: Gestural Line or activity. relationships of figures in space 1.1.2 Elements: Shape/form Wire sculptures can be anchored seen in film, sports, and in Common Core ELA to a small board by wrapping the public places lower part of the sculpture with 3.SL.1.d. Explain their own ideas twisted wire to a nail, or suspend- and understanding in light of the ed as mobiles. discussion. Visit local sculpture to examine 3.L.1.d. Form and use regular and other examples of a 3-dimensional irregular verbs. figure in space. 3.L.5.b. Identify real-life connections between words and their use.

FIGURES IN ACTION SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES

Poses for gesture drawing. Manipulates wire

ART STUDIO TIP

Sources for Wire and Wire Safety

Coated color wire can be obtained through arts and crafts catalogues. Some telephone wires are toxic and so donated wires of unknown origins or should be tested for safety before use.

Wire can do unexpected things in the hands of children: make sure that wire ends are always formed into loops to protect eyes. Stress careful handling.

© 2014 ArtsEd Washington/Third Grade lesson: Figures in Action p3 ART LESSONS IN THE CLASSROOM THIRD GRADE: FIGURES IN ACTION LEARNING TARGETS ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The student: The student: LT: Uses a gesture drawing to in- AC: Selects and references prior drawing associated with a form 3-D sculpture. specific activity in making wire form. LT: Creates a wire sculpture. AC: Bends and secures wire to make curves and volume/3- dimensionality (height, width and depth) for a human figure in a specific pose.

ASSESSMENTS CHECKLIST Student Gathers Information Wire Sculpture Total Selects and references prior drawing Bends and Creates volume/3- Approximates a human Points: associated with a specific activity in secures wire to dimesnionality figure in a specific pose 1-4 making wire form make curves

Total Percentage

Teacher Comments:

Dear Third Grade Families:

Today we made FIGURES IN ACTION.

Looking: We gathered together in small groups to reflect on our prior gesture drawings and the actions and verbs they represented.

Talking: We talked about and each selected a drawing to use as a reference for our own wire sculpture. We imagined the wire was our pencil line in our gesture drawing and talked about how a 2- dimensional line is different than a line used in a 3-dimensional form. Making: We made three-dimensional sculptures using wire. We thought about ways we could suggest the pose of the figure without needing any detail. We wrapped the wire around cylindrical forms and created figures which showed action and occupied space.

Art at Home

Together: You could look closely at the various poses and gestures of sports figures, entertainers, performing artists, and the human figure as it proceeds through everyday activities.

Questions to ask: What is the relationship between a 2-dimensional action figure and a 3-dimensional action figure? How does the artist represent them similarly and differently? Suggesting form by defining volume with line can show pose and gesture and relationship of the figure to space.