Problem-Based Lesson Plan ARTE 301

Title of Lesson: No Brush Paintings

Teacher: Amal Ghanimah
School: PVO South
Grade Level[s]: 5th and 6th
Date to be Taught: 4/12/18

Big Idea that drives Lesson/Unit:

When it comes to artmaking, divergent thinking is a necessity. Divergent thinking is not a
synonym for creativity, but an essential capacity for creativity. It’s the ability to be able to see a lot of
answers to a possible question and many interpretations of that question. 98% of kindergarteners were
scored at a genius level of divergent thinking and when tested again 5 years later, which is the grades I am
teaching, and 50% scored at a high level. As high schoolers, even a smaller percentage performed at a
high level. Everyone has the ability to divergently think, but as we get older that ability deteriorates, and
something needs to be done to give students a creative outlet to work on their lateral thinking skills.

Key concepts about Big Idea:

 Finding many solutions to one problem
 Interpreting the question or problem given
 Originality and reinvention

Fine Arts Goals Met by the Objectives:

 VA:Cr.1.1.1a: Engage collaboratively in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
 Experiment with different tools to apply acrylic paint
 VA:Cr1.1.2a: Brainstorm collaboratively for multiple approaches to an art or design
problem
 How to use found objects as a medium

3-4 Essential Questions:

- How can using new materials develop creativity and innovative thinking?
- How can adding taking away paint brushes expand your open mindedness?
- How does rational thought encourage or prevent creative and innovative thinking?

Vocabulary Acquisition:
 Primary Colors; any of a group of colors from which all other colors can be obtained by mixing.
(red, yellow, blue)
 Secondary Colors; a color resulting from the mixing of two primary colors. (orange, green,
purple)
 Found objects; art created from undisguised, but often modified, objects or products that are not
normally considered materials from which art is made, often because they already have a non-art
function.
 acrylic paint; a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion. Acrylic
paints are water-soluble, but become water-resistant when dry.

Key Artistic Concepts:

 Creativity and innovative thinking are essential life skills that can be developed.
 Art materials are tools that help artists communicate thoughts, ideas, and emotions.
 Art is a means of discovery.
 Art thoughts come from those actively searching for them.
 What conditions, attitudes, and behaviors support creativity and innovative thinking?

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 Problem-Based Lesson Plan ARTE 301

Artmaking Materials Needed:

 Found objects
 Acrylic Paint
 Watercolor Paper
 Paper plates
 String
 WET WIPES and GROCERY BAGS
Contemporary/Historical/Multicultural exemplars:
String

Kitchen Utensils

Found Objects

Procedures:
 DISCUSSION: (5 minutes)
o Today we are going to be making paintings, but you aren’t allowed to use any brushes.
o What are some other ways to paint?
DEMONSTRATIONS: (10 minutes)
o Show personal painting examples
 Demonstrate some examples on how to paint with found objects
o Show Historical/Multicultural exemplars

 DESIGN/WORK SESSION: (20 minutes)

 choose at least 3 found objects and create an acrylic painting without using any
paintbrushes.
 use your objects to apply, blend, and manipulate the paint.
 Your painting can be abstract or representing something in nature.
o Students will work on creating their paintings while teacher walks around assisting with
complications when/if necessary.
o Teacher gives 3-minute time warning.
 CLEAN UP: (2 minutes)
o Put found objects in the bag, in the bin.
o Throw away paper plates with paint
o Turn in paintings with your name on it
o Wet wipe your hands and desk
 CLOSURE: (3minutes)

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 Problem-Based Lesson Plan ARTE 301

o - How did irrationality encourage or prevent creative and innovative thinking?

o - Was it difficult or easy to use everyday objects in an art context?
o - What did you discover during this process?
 ASSESSMENT: [separate from class time]
o Check according to simple rubric
 Students will be graded based on a rubric including concept; effort; presentation.