1)The photo class was finishing up their Photoshop pieces. The students in this class ages range, but mostly sophomores and juniors. This class could do a simple sculpture lesson involving 3D collage with their photos and foam or transferring their photos onto a 3D surface, such as a box or jar. I had a summer class with a girl who transferred and mounted photo onto mason-like jars and collected objects from the area where the photo was taken. I think this would be an interesting project for the photo class. Introducing it might be different from most lessons; I mean that I would keep the entire concept of the project hidden until after the photos were taken and the articles collected. But that has a catch as well. If I didn't tell them what we were doing, then they may not take more dynamic photos or material. I would have to test out this idea of "surprise" curriculum vs. a stated curriculum. Regardless I would like to do this lesson one day because I think that getting out of the classroom and discovering your surroundings is a great way to learn.
2)The Seventh grade class was finishing up their paintings of Korean General Yi Sun Shin's war boats. This was a really neat concept and curriculum that Ponz came up with. The war boats were the first armored boats in the world. He paid back the Japanese by destroying most of their navy. Anyway, Ponz went to Korea this Summer and learned of this story. The story of this general is amazing and engaging for all students and integrates with history, social studies, and even science (atmospheric perspective, gun powder). The main "fine art"points of the lesson was to understanding three-point and atmospheric perspective, but in this interesting manner.
I believe that this lesson could go further and into sculptural territory. How would I go about it though? There are a couple of options off the top of my head: make a warship, or make a diorama. These seem to be good ideas, but they don't open up to any new or interesting ideas as far as academic knowledge. By the time the students were done with the paintings, I would say that they are ready to learn some new concept or historical interest. What 3D project could come after, but slightly relate to the warships? Does it even have to relate?
In the packet of Yi Sun Shin's story was a picture of his statue. Maybe the students could take a historical or personal hero and create a statue based on their choice. Why did they choose that person or why are they important? How does it relate directly to them? These are some questions that could come up in discussion when defending their choices.
Side note: Ponz brought up the notion that I worked in television and the kids went crazy on me asking questions about the field and shows. I am a humble person and this always makes me feel a little strange, but good at the same time. The students were really engaged with my explanations and tales of being on set. This class was the one that seemed to have the most distance from me, but now they are comfortable with me observing and engaging with them.
3) I went over to Gary's class to check it out. This is the older students' ceramics class. Gary told me a story about the AP ceramics student (the one creating the swordfish, or fishing conservation piece). The student was having an issue with how to display the pieces to get his message across. Well later that day, the student was helping Gary move some clay off of a pallet. The student said "that pallet looks like a dock". Gary asked how that could relate to his work and the student recalled shark fins being cut off and piled on docks collected for eventual sale. On occasion, the rest of the shark is thrown out into the water. "Wasteful" come to mind. Anyway, through this accidental visual of the pallet, the student recalled the shark situation that is now a new piece currently being constructed. This is a great example of discovering concepts through everyday experiences.
There are many twists one could do for the "building" and "favorite food" lessons. I was thinking that instead of it being a favorite food, they could draw a food type out of a hat. The same could be done with the buildings, but I think it would be interesting to see buildings from Gainesville or possibly just Florida. But, if you take out the "choice", the students may not be as interested. I guess it would depend on the students.
The middle school art club met during break time. Gary, at that time said: "Art is controlling chaos!" I thought this was a really interesting way to put it.
It was a good day. The Seventh Graders came around and accept my presence. And the story of the ceramics student drawing and idea and artwork from a quick vision of a pallet.
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