8th Grade Art

Class Overview

In this course, we will explore how art enriches our lives and enhances our understanding of the world. Research indicates that appreciating art improves our quality of life and boosts happiness. Creating art can lift our mood, enhance problem-solving skills, and spark new ideas. We will discuss how involvement in the arts significantly boosts academic performance, with kids in the arts being four times more likely to excel.

Participating in art builds confidence as you see your progress and acquire new skills. You will learn to understand, critique, and use visual information, which aids in making sound decisions. Successful artists recognize that hard work and perseverance are key to success, a mindset that benefits you in school and future careers by helping you develop new skills and tackle challenging projects. The arts also emphasize the value of each person's contribution to a group and teach effective ways to handle mistakes, lessons that are valuable throughout life.

Learning Outcomes

Understand Art's Impact on Quality of Life
Develop Problem-Solving and Creativity Skills
Build Academic and Personal Confidence
Critique and Interpret Visual Information
Learn to Handle Mistakes Constructively
Apply Artistic Skills to Broader Contexts

Course Calendar:

Week 1: Intro: Syllabus, Expectations & Bellringers

Elements & Principles of Art Basics

Scratchboard Animals

Week 2: Scratchboard Animals

Week 3&4: Charcoal Portraits

Week 5: Re-design a space

Week 6&7: Pop art candy wrappers

Week 8&9: Animation (2 weeks)

Using clay to create a message

Syllabus

Art - 8th gradeDoodleSyllabus.pdf

Geometric Pattern Design

Objective: Use geometric shapes and symmetry to create a visually engaging pattern or design.

Skills Applied: Decision-making (how to combine shapes and patterns), critical thinking (understanding the math behind patterns), and creativity (designing an aesthetically pleasing composition).

Broader Context: Bridges math (geometry) with art, helping students see how artistic concepts intersect with mathematical principles like symmetry, proportion, and tessellation.

Artist: M.C. Escher

Environmental Awareness Project

Objective: Create a sculpture using recycled or found materials to raise awareness about environmental issues. Drawing or painting was also an option due to limited class time and access to materials.

Skills Applied: Creative problem-solving (working with limited materials), decision-making (design and material selection), and critical thinking (choosing an issue and making a statement).

Broader Context: This project integrates with science and sustainability topics, connecting art with environmental consciousness and scientific problem-solving.

Visual Storytelling through Mixed Media

Objective: Use various art mediums (painting, collage, photography) to tell a story about a personal experience or global issue.

Skills Applied: Creative problem-solving, decision-making (what mediums to use), and critical thinking (how to communicate complex ideas visually).

Broader Context: This can connect to literature, history, or social studies by encouraging students to visually represent historical events, literature themes, or current global issues.

Page updated

Report abuse