5th Grade Projects

Dragon Metal Tooling

This project begins with the students creating detailed drawings of mythical dragons. The students study many examples of dragon illustrations in order to help them create their own unique dragon. The dragon drawings are then inscribed in thin aluminum plates and then colored with sharpie marker. This kind of art is called metal tooling or repousse.

Self Portrait Drawing

Students learn basic facial proportion rules and how to draw facial features. The students study their physical appearance in a mirror so they may accurately draw their likeness. Portraits are colored in using colored pencil and crayon.

Ceramic Coil Pot

The students learn how to construct a ceramic coil pot. The students roll and coil long "snakes" of clay and use the "slip/score/seal" technique to create a vessel. After their pots are fired in the kiln, the students paint them with a glossy glaze.

Dreamcatchers

Students learn about the history of the Native American Dreamcatcher. Dreamcatchers were originally made by members of the Chippewa tribe. They believed that while we are sleeping, dreams are flying through the night air. Dreamcatchers allow good dreams to pass through and enter the sleeping person's mind. Nightmares are caught in the dreamcatcher's web until they disappear at morning.

The students construct their dreamcatchers out of paper plates, paint, yarn, beads and feathers. We hope our dreamcatchers give us beautiful dreams!