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This Pathways class was an exploration of all things three dimensional. With each medium, we practiced various techniques, looked at artist inspiration, developed preliminary sketches and had collaborative conversations to give students a jumping off point for their exploration. Utilizing this structure, students were able to dive deeper into their medium of choice. Ultimately, this class was about creating the space for students to discover what it means to be an artist in ways that felt authentic to each unique individual utilizing 3D media.
Paper Mache
Paper Mache
Paper Mache seems to be a favorite medium at AACA so this trimester students spent the majority of their time creating paper mache sculptures of the subject matter of their choosing.
Students began by building an "armature" which acts as the foundation or skeleton of the sculpture using mostly recycled materials like cardboard, paper towel tubes and newspaper taped or hot glued together. From there, the actual paper mache begins! Strips of paper and paste are added in layers to secure all the parts and create a cohesive sculpture. Lastly, sculptures are painted and final details are added to bring the students' ideas to fruition! This is where students have to "engage and persist" to find creative solutions to push beyond limitations of the paper mache medium by making small additions out of clay, wire, felt and various other found objects.
Clay
Clay
Students learned about the many types of clay including natural kiln-fired, paper clay, polymer, modeling, air dry and even clay like materials such as Crayola model magic (a throwback to their younger years).
After completing a skill builder that demonstrated their ability to execute basic clay hand-building techniques of rolling coils, slab construction, attaching two pieces of clay and adding textured surface decoration, students were off to construct their own mini sculptures.
Slimy Send Off for 8th Grade
Slimy Send Off for 8th Grade
Nothing brings people together quite like some sticky slime. 😆
We ended the trimester with a community slime making event. 8th graders had this one request and to thank them for their hard work, we experimented with various colors and combinations of materials to make the perfect slime. Congrats, 8th Grade!!!
Using the Studio Habits of Mind
Using the Studio Habits of Mind
Develop Craft: I can improve my art making skills by practicing techniques. Practice for progress...not perfection!
Engage & Persist: I find creative solutions to problems I encounter. I embrace "mistakes" as essential steps to the learning process.
Envision: I create a plan for the direction I would like to go in with my project.
Observe: I pay close attention to the small details of my project.
Stretch & Explore: I challenge myself to try new techniques and materials.
Express: I create art that holds meaning to me and can communicate that to others.
Reflect: I can identify my successes and areas of improvement.
Understand the Art World: I participate respectfully in the creative community of our studio classroom. I can find inspiration from others.
Students completed a Styrofoam Cup Sculpture Challenge to kick off the trimester. Artists worked with limited materials to push their creative limits. (Stretch & Explore)
How is art assessed?
How is art assessed?
This year, all Pathways classess are assessed using the following rubrics in two categories: Content Mastery and Student Learner Expectations. Students need to receive a 3 or a 4 in both categories to have an overall "complete" grade.
About Ms. Morrell
About Ms. Morrell
My approach to teaching is called choice-based art education. The foundation of a choice-based approach emphasizes the role of the student as artist where they become the primary drivers and decision makers for their art-making experiences.
As a fellow artist and teacher in our AACA studio, I believe my role is to provide the structure, skills and resources for learners of all abilities and diverse backgrounds to thrive.
I find students are most successful and engaged when they are able to pursue an artistic process that feels most authentic to them within a supportive, collective environment.
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