Aztec Symbolism

Symbolism from the Aztec Origin Story

PHASE 1 November 3-4

Sketch Ideas

Use your knowledge of "Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky: Tales from Ancient Mexico" to brainstorm important symbols from the Aztec Origin Story. Once you have listed out several symbols with your group, come to consensus on the one that is the most powerful or interesting to you.

If you have chosen the same symbols as another group, play "Rock, Paper, Scissor" to determine which group gets to depict that symbol. If you lose, choose your second favorite symbol from your list. Once you have your group's symbol, each group member will make multiple sketches of the symbol to choose from. Together, identify the sketch or sketches that you want to use for your final design.

PHASE TWO November 5-7

Once you have completed your sketch, get critique and feedback from other groups in order to improve your concept. Then draw your final design!

Draw Final Design

For your final design, fold your paper in half lengthwise and widthwise to make 16 squares, as shown in the picture to the left. Lightly, trace a straight line down the center of each fold, dividing your paper into 16 sectors.

Use markers to color in your final design. Do your very best and most beautiful work. Remember that the final draft will be the model for the three-dimensional installation you create out of plywood.

PHASE THREE November 10-14

Create a 3-D Model

Use your grid pattern to transfer your final design onto a piece of cardboard. Then, cut out the design and assemble your three-dimensional model.

Once you have assembled your model, discuss any changes that your group thinks you need to make to your final design. Then, make those changes and create a new model.

Once your group is satisfied with your model, add color to your paper final design. When you are satisfied with your fully colored final design, add those same color details to your model.

PHASE FOUR November 17-21

Transfer Your Design to Plywood

Lay out a grid pattern on your plywood panel and draw your final design onto the plywood. Once you have finished with the drawing, Mr. Hayden will cut it out for you on the bandsaw.

PHASE FIVE December 1-5

Paint and Assemble

Paint your installation using watercolors based on the color pattern you used in your final design. Once the paint has dried, assemble your installation and prepare it for curation in the 6th grade hallway.

PHASE SIX December 8-17

Write a Description of Your Symbol

Write a poetic description of your installation that uses language which inspires the viewer to contemplate the theme of the symbol you created from the Aztec Origin Story.

Your introduction should include the following four paragraphs, each written with at least four sentences.

Introduction--Introduce the topic and its importance to the reader.
Facts--Provide facts and supporting evidence for your symbol from your the Aztec Origin Story and your research.
Inspiration--Explain how your symbol connects to the Human Story.
Conclusion--Summarize the topic and connect back to the introduction ("close the circle").

Here is a sample of student work, with sentence starters, that can help you!

EXHIBITION December 18

Prepare to share your work and discuss its meaning with your parents and the visitors that come to contemplate the cosmic order of the universa according to our Aztec ancestors!

PROJECT CALENDAR

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