The Academy for Technology & the Classics

Lesson Plan
Instructors name:
Cermanski/Ferguson
Week of: February 4 to 11, 2015

Course/Grade: Visual Arts I 1st, 4th,

5th
Unit Name: Painting the Elements:
the interplay of science & art

Common Core/ NM Content Standards:

NMVA1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7,8
Essential Question(s):
How can I use art to better

understand science?
What is an electron scan and how can
I represent an element artistically?
How can I change the opacity of
paint?
How can I create a dynamic paining
inspired by an element?
How can I blend colors smoothly?

Connections (prior learning/prior

knowledge):
Students are familiar with
elements from Physical Science
class
Students are familiar with
elements from everyday life:
oxygen, carbon, sodium, gold, etc.
Students are familiar with acrylic
painting from previous lessons.

Other considerations (modifications, Resources/Materials

accommodations, acceleration,
Teacher: Images of various electron
etc.):
scans of elements
Students: 12 x 18 heavy watercolor or
Students needing help will get
assistance from me (or Mrs.
canvas paper, acrylic paint, pencil
Ferguson if its a science question)
More advanced students can do a
series of pieces or help others
Assessment (How will you monitor progress and know students have
successfully met outcomes?)
Daily: Daily observations of students doing element sketches
This Week: Completion of final element
Unit: Final project, participation in critique
Time allotted
WEDNESDAY FEB 4
Learning Target- TSW learn about
how to create an artistic image
based on an element. TSW know
this once he/she completes a
sketch for his/her chosen element.

Lesson activities for instructor and

students
Do Now: Pick up a periodic element chart from
the front table
I.
Ms. Ferguson will explain the
directions for the project
II.
Project images of various elements
(gold, uranium, hydrogen,etc.)
III.
Demonstrate how students can take

THURSDAY FEB 5
Learning Target- TSW learn how to
change the opacity of colors using
gel medium and how to blend
colors smoothly. TSW know this
once he/she creates at least one
transparent color with acrylic and
blends colors smoothly.
FRIDAY FEB 6
TargetTSW learn how to create a
balanced design for an atom
painting. TSW know this once
his/her portrait can be flipped and
still appear balanced.

MONDAY FEB 9
Learning Target- TSW learn how to
create an element painting with
strong craftsmanship. TSW know
this after his/her piece is neatly
and carefully completed.

TUESDAY FEB 10
TargetTSW learn how to be sure
forms are balanced in an element
painting. TSW know this one
his/her piece can be flipped in any
direction and still appear
balanced.

an electron scan of an element and

create a sketch
IV.
Students should choose element and
teacher will print out images
V.
Students start sketching elements
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: One on one
check on element sketches
(1B)Closing Activity: What is an electron scan?
Do NowTake out sketch book and continue
with element sketch
I.
Finish sketches
II.
Start painting, being sure to
incorporate transparent colors and
blending
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: One on one
check in on creating transparent colors
(1B)Closing Activity: How do you create a transparent
color? Translucent color?
Do NowTake out portrait and continue
working
I.
Demonstrate to students different
ways to balance color
II.
Continue working, focusing on color
balance
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: One on one check
on color balance
(1B)Closing Activity: How can we create color
balance in art pieces?
Do NowTake out pieces and continue working
I.
Check in on appropriate scientific
representation on back of painting (Ferguson)
II.
Keep working on pieces, focusing on
craftsmanship
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: One on one check
on pieces being sure pieces are being executed with good
craftsmanship
(1B)Closing Activity: How can we have good
craftsmanship in an art piece?
Do NowTake out pieces and continue working.
Continue working on piece, focusing on form
balance
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: One on one check
in on form balance
(1B)Closing Activity: How do you ensure a piece has
strong form balance?

WEDNESDAY FEB 11
TargetTSW learn how to be sure
all elements in his/her piece are
unified. TSW know this once
his/her piece has a sense of
completion.
THURSDAY FEB 12
TargetTSW learn how to
participate effectively in a
critique. TSW know this once
he/she makes at least 3 strong
comments about his/her peers
work.

Do NowTake out pieces and continue working.

Work on pieces, focusing on unity
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: One on one check
on unity
(1B)Closing Activity: How do you ensure your piece is
unified and complete?
Do NowTake out pieces and prepare for
critique
Critiques
(1F)Embedded Formative Assessment: participation in
critique
(1B)Closing Activity: Do you feel you better understand
your chosen element now that you created a painting
inspired by it?