SchoolArts - March 2008

Creativ_Ci_Et_Ny _{TE R}

Inspire creativity in your classroom with these unique lessons from your favorite companie s!

Glass Fossils from Blick Art Materials

Grade Level: 5– 12

Estimated Project Time: Two to three class periods Materials: Glass fusing kiln, clear and colored fusing glass, glass cutter, safety goggles. Optional: jewelry wire, glass stringers, glass noodles, mounting board, frame, glue. Project Description: The fused glass process is used to demonstrate how fossils are formed by carbonization. Sandwich plant materials between layers of glass and fire rapidly in a glass kiln. The plant burns away and leaves behind a silvery-white outline.

Visit DickBlick.com for the complete project instructions. Blick Art M ate - rials has a giant selection of art supplies for the classroom, unique lesson plans and helpful information, as well as lower prices on hundreds of items. Online, open-account purchasing is available for schools at DickBlick.com. Call 800-447-8192 for a catalog.

Grade Level: Elementary

Estimated Project Time: Six class periods Project Description: This lesson introduces students to the art of mosaics, and to the basic human figure. Students create a figure mosaic using pattern, repetition, and variety, and gain experience working in a team setting. Before introducing this lesson, create a figure mosaic so that students will have a visual reference. Begin the lesson by saying, “I have a special project for your class. We are going to change the look of our environment by decorating the walls with your figures!” Next, ask if anyone knows what a figure drawing is and then follow up by showing your example. Explain that this will be a group project and that each group will be creating one figure mosaic.

Figure Mosaics from NASCO

Get your free Nasco lesson plan by calling (800) 558-9595, or find it online at www.eNasco.com/artsandcrafts.

Twisteez in Springtime

Grade Level: 4– 12

Estimated Project Time: Forty-five minutes to one hour

Materials Needed: Cup or small flower pot, eight to ten Twisteez wires, green flower arrangement foam or sand, scissors or nail clippers, optional thin straws or sticks. Project Description: Cut foam to fit cup, or fill cup with sand. Create flowers with Twisteez wire. Form flower pedals with coils, spirals, and loops. Attach wire to base of pedals and form a stem. Stem wire can be wrapped around a straw or stick, or it can be doubled and wrapped with another wire for added strength. Add leaf shapes to stem. Press stem into foam or sand!