Embedded Files
Overarching Theme for 7th Grade:
Applying Artistic Skills to the Real World
Why is it important to learn art?
Art as a way to help others/ as activity
Learn about artists who engage with environmental issues, using their artwork to raise awareness about sustainability, conservation, and climate change.
Examine how art can be a tool for social change, addressing issues such as inequality, discrimination, and human rights through visual expression.
Art as way to learn:
Attention to detail
Creativity
Problem solving
Critical thinking
Collaboration
Functional Art:
Understand how art can serve functional purposes in the real world, such as designing everyday objects, textiles, and architecture.
Artistic Careers:
Learn about various careers in the arts, including but not limited to graphic design, illustration, animation, art education, and art curation.
Cultural Impact of Art Movements:
Study art movements and their influence on society, recognizing how artistic expressions reflect and shape cultural norms and values.
Art as Personal Expression:
Understand how individuals use art as a form of personal expression and therapy, exploring the role of art in mental health and well-being.
Collaborative Art Projects:
Participate in and understand the importance of collaborative art projects that bring communities together and promote a sense of shared identity.
Silk Road Background
Silk Road Background
Project Description
As part of an interdisciplinary unit on the Silk Road, 7th grade students worked in groups to study a specific region along this historic trade route. In art class, students explored the unique architectural styles from their assigned region, learning how cultural, religious, and environmental factors influenced design. Using this knowledge, each group designed and constructed a large-scale 3D mural that represented the key features of that region’s ancient architecture. The murals incorporated painted backdrops and three-dimensional elements made from cardboard, clay, and other materials to bring these historical structures to life. Through this project, students deepened their understanding of how art and architecture reflected the values and innovations of ancient civilizations.
Learning Objective
"I can collaborate with my group to research the architecture of a Silk Road region and create a 3D mural that accurately represents the cultural and historical features of that area. "
FullSizeRender.MOVStorytelling Sculpture
Storytelling Sculpture
Project Overview
7th grade students will be completing a humanities exhibition on the history of storytelling. We will be incorporating this topic into art class, learning about the history of how art was used to tell stories. We will look at cave paintings, Greek and Roman Vases and examples of modern art. Students will then create a final sculpture, using books and book pages, that represents the personal narrative that they will be writing in social studies. These projects will be displayed at their exhibition night for their parents.
3D Creatures of Durango
3D Creatures of Durango
Project Overview
In this project, 7th grade students studied the diverse ecosystems of the San Juan Mountains, focusing on the unique animals and plants that inhabit the region. Each student selected a specific animal native to the area (such as a lynx, marmot, black bear, or mountain bluebird) and researched its physical characteristics, habitat, and role in the ecosystem. Using their findings, students designed and created a 3D papier-mâché sculpture that accurately represents their chosen animal in both form and color. This project encouraged students to observe and replicate natural features while building skills in sculpture, construction, and painting. The final artworks celebrate the biodiversity of Colorado’s mountain regions through imaginative and informed artistic expression.
Learning Target
"I can research a native animal from the San Juan Mountains and use papier-mâché techniques to create a realistic 3D sculpture that reflects its physical traits and ecological role. "
Ecosystem Mobiles
Ecosystem Mobiles
Project Description
In science, 7th grade students learned about ecostsyems, and the factors that help maintain them. With this knowledge, they chose a specific type of ecosystem, ocean, desert, forest, etc. to study. From this knowledge, students created a mobile in art class, that displayed at least 4 biotic, and 3 abiotic factors that help this system survive. These mobiles were then sold at exhibition to raise money for the Five Rivers Trout Unlimited Nonprofit.
Learning Objective
"I can create a visual representation of abiotic and biotic factors in my chosen ecosystem using a mobile."
Metamorphosis
Metamorphosis
Project Description
This lesson is aimed at challenging your drawing skills, imagination, and critical thinking. Students were asked to take an object and transform it into another object by drawing the metamorphosis of the process in a series of 3-5 drawings. The goal is to make this transformation appear possible. Imagine you could wave a wand and make your object twist, pull, and turn into the something completely different.
Learning Objective
"I can demonstrate personal responsibility in the planning, implementation and evaluation of works of art."
"I can demonstrate technical proficiency and craftsmanship in the creative process."
Perspective Drawing
Perspective Drawing
Project Overview
In class, students were taught how to use one and two point perspective techniques in order to create a sense of depth. The use of rulers, shading, proper angles and scale help create the illusion of objects receding into space.
Learning Objective
"I can demonstrate quality craftsmanship through care for and use of materials, tools, and equipment."
"I can experiment and develop skills in multiple art-making techniques and approaches through practice."
Job Project
Job Project
Project Description
It's time to strap on your thinking caps, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get to work. The world needs bright new thinkers to solve problems, create art and invent. In this project, students are tasked with completing 5 different "jobs" off of a provided "Help Wanted" sheet. These jobs include anything from freelance designs to entrepreneurial work. The project is designed to help students understand the real world applications of art, and how to use it as a problem solving tool. Once they have completed all 5 projects, they may "retire" and work on a free project of their choice. Students who work particularly hard have a chance of becoming the Employee of the Week!
Learning Objective
"I can use the language of visual art to creatively solve problems and communicate ideas."
Visual Arts Standards Met
Visual Arts Standards Met
Investigate to form hypotheses, make observations and draw conclusions about how artists use the language of visual art and design to make meaning
Incorporate key concepts, issues and themes from other disciplines into works of art.
Generate works of art based on selected themes or anticipated goals.
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