The 6th grade will be learning how to create paper mache sculptures using a variety of recyclable materials. The focus of our sculpture project will be on African art by building paper mache wild animals. 6th grade art club students can choose from a combination of African designs to incorporate into their sculptures once they are ready to paint.
Materials:
Newspaper
Elmer's Glue
Water
Plastic Containers
Paper Towel/Toilet Paper Roles
Tempera Paint
Brushes
Reference Materials (Visuals)
Masking Tape
Materials:
Newspaper
Elmer's Glue
Water
Plastic Containers
Paper Towel/Toilet Paper Roles
Tempera Paint
Brushes
Reference Materials (Visuals)
Masking Tape
Procedure:
Students will be using cardboard and plastic materials to construct an armature (skeleton) of their sculpture. Newspaper will be used to fill out the sculpture and masking tape will pack the newspaper to the armature tightly. A watery glue mixture will be created to adhere the first coat of newspaper. Once that has dried, students can add a second coat. Animals will be attached to a base (the base can be similar to that of a rocking horse, a mobile base such as wheels, or a flat base using cardboard of foam board. The sculptures will be prepped using white paint before adding colored paint. Students will be advised to draw any designs on after the white coat has been applied.
Students will be using cardboard and plastic materials to construct an armature (skeleton) of their sculpture. Newspaper will be used to fill out the sculpture and masking tape will pack the newspaper to the armature tightly. A watery glue mixture will be created to adhere the first coat of newspaper. Once that has dried, students can add a second coat. Animals will be attached to a base (the base can be similar to that of a rocking horse, a mobile base such as wheels, or a flat base using cardboard of foam board. The sculptures will be prepped using white paint before adding colored paint. Students will be advised to draw any designs on after the white coat has been applied.
The 5th Grade Has Choices!
Originally, I wanted my 5th grade to make a set of coasters to teach them about symmetry, collage, design, and color theory. I introduced the idea and showed them an example and they seemed to be super excited about it! The more I browsed online, I started to trail back to the good old abstract sculptures using recyclable materials. I just love how unique each piece comes out. So my idea here is to discuss it with my students to see what ideas they have! I also wanted to make clocks using foam board but that may have to wait until the spring group begins! I will keep you posted on what we came up with and an example will soon follow!
[Update] During work this morning, I was exploring a few more ideas and came across these really need animal masks using paper mache. I proposed this idea to my 5th grade students and they are totally on board. We talked about how to use cardboard to begin building our mask. They have already come up with some good ideas. Of course some measuring is going to be involved so we can cut and shape the mask to fit the faces of the students. Once we get a basic skeleton constructed, extra pieces can be added to build up facial features and muscle mass. I can't wait to see what the students create!
[Update] During work this morning, I was exploring a few more ideas and came across these really need animal masks using paper mache. I proposed this idea to my 5th grade students and they are totally on board. We talked about how to use cardboard to begin building our mask. They have already come up with some good ideas. Of course some measuring is going to be involved so we can cut and shape the mask to fit the faces of the students. Once we get a basic skeleton constructed, extra pieces can be added to build up facial features and muscle mass. I can't wait to see what the students create!
AP Art Club for 5th Grade
I am so fortunate to have so many talented 5th grade students who are just going crazy while waiting to get into the art room a few days a week. I decided to open up an AP art club during my Monday prep period. I selected 6 students for each session to work on individual canvases or sculptures if they feel they are more of a builder. I am excited to see where we go and what we can create in two months. Students in the AP art club can work with any materials they choose and will not be limited to any specific topic. I am hoping for some variety! As soon as my students find out what they would like to work on I will share it with you!