Mandala: 7

Lesson example

Morgan Hughes

Lesson Plan

Cycles of Life

7th Grade

BIG IDEA:   Artists incorporate images from other cultures in their work

Aim: To create a design using a radial format incorporating cyclical and concentric images

Rationale: Students of adolescent ages are interested in designing finite artworks and symbolic imagery.  Students respond positively to connections between learning experiences (History/Cross-Cultural/Math/Art).

Behavioral Objectives

• Analyze the significance of the circle in a variety of cultures, in nature and art

• Define the concepts of radial symmetry and concentric circles

• Identify cyclical images- Buddhist mandalas, Zodiac Symbols, Rose Windows

• Demonstrate and apply these concepts in an original completed full color Artwork

1. Knowledge of the Visual Arts: Radial symmetry, movement in Art, concentric circles, mandalas, life cycles

2. Art Production Skills: Students will develop their ability to use a compass to create concentric circles top develop balanced and complete work

3. Valuing the Visual arts Attitudes: SWABT develop self confidence in drawing through exploration of using design.  SWABT appreciate and understand the importance of cycles in cultural and art historic references

Materials   Drawing paper, pencils, compasses, oil pastel, colored pencils, paint, collage materials, sample images, internet access, projector

References http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Index.html, worksheet: see handout

Motivation 

-Go to http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Index.html

-Have students read the introduction

What is a mandala?

How does it relate to concentric circles?

-Go to The Mandalas box and click on the various examples

            What is the meaning of the circle throughout these images?

            What are the symbols within these mandalas?

            How are they perfectly radial symmetrical?

            How are they not?

Have the students get into groups of 3 or 4

Handout examples of work and ask them to write in their notebook comparing and contrasting the images

What did you find was similar?

What did you find was different?

Worksheet

Compare and contrast with your group the three images and record your observations in your notebook