3rd grade just finished a project that incorporated science into the art room. We learned about the six different kinds of simple machines. They include the wedge, inclined plane, pulley, screw, lever, and wheel and axel. After studying the fantastic machines by artist Rube Goldberg, students designed a complex machine using multiple simple machines. Their machines do something that usually happens inside their heads. After finishing the artwork, students each wrote an explanation of their machine that is hanging below the finished art. This project is currently hanging in the hallway by the art room.
7 comments:
These are so cool! I love the one that looks like its blowing gum! Did they collage the shapes of the machine and then draw on top? I want to try this! I really appreciate the way you give them more to work with by actually talking about the different kinds of machines.
Hi there, My name is Jessie Rose. I too am an art teacher who blogs... I thought you might like to exchange links. Please check out my blog and let me know... withloverosie.wordpress.com
There is a link with photos of kids art, but my blog is not as "child" centered as yours.
Love these projects. Fourth grade is studying simple machines and I may need to throw this in!
I look forward to hearing from you!
Katie,
I tried to respond with an actual email. Did you get it? If not, I'll respond on here.
Jessie, Thanks for the comment. Your blog is quite nice. I really enjoy seeing what other teachers are doing out there.
I wanted to let you know I added your blog to my blog list...I have many other great art ed bloggers listed too! http://artwithmre.blogspot.com
I LOVE these!!! I am definitely going to try these! I have the same questions as Katie -- what process did the kids use to create the machines -- drawing then collage? Thanks for another awesome idea!
Clare-
The process on these is pretty much exactly as you guessed. We talk about the six kinds of simple machines and look at examples of each. The kids then use simple machines as well as other contraptions to make a machine inside their head. I require them to have the machine do something that goes on in their head. I have them do a sketch, then use construction paper (I use scraps from the scrap bin.) to create the machine on paper. In order to get the silhouette, I have the kids stand in front of a light and I just draw the silhouette very quickly for them. I'll do those while the kids are working on their sketches.
I've got a keynote presentation (for Mac computers) made as well as a lesson plan. If you would like to use either one, just let me know by email. I'd be more than happy to share. My email address is stoller_zach@dublinschools.net
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