Niwot Elementary Assessment Data
Kindergartners through 2nd grade participated in a lesson called Critter Haven. In this lesson they utilized their envisioning skills to create a 2 dimensional critter, they rendered this critter in pencil to begin the process. The next step in the process was to discover how to take that 2D critter and make it a 3 dimensional object. All learners first experimented with play dough as it has similar properties to clay. We discussed the proper hand-building techniques to make the pieces of their critter remain intact, with a fun and easy mnemonic phrase-'Scratch and attach!'. This lesson stretched over six 40 minute class periods. 1st and 2nd grade learners built their critters in earth clay while the Kindergartners built their critters in model magic. This choice was made for several reasons, observation of Kinders' methods with play dough, assessing the right tools or materials for the success rate for each learner, and material quantity. At Niwot elementary each grade level uses clay at least once per year after Kindergarten.
After their critter had been rendered in clay, and was waiting to be fired, learners began building their habitats. These were constructed from paper and cut to form a cube, learners built their habitat while it was flat using paper, crayons and markers then folded it to its cube form. After the critters had been fired the learners painted them with watercolors and oil pastels. The final step was assembly and placing their finished work in the library for display. Some learners were recorded during their process of discovery and design. Some learners were recorded after their process was finished to talk about their story and process. All learners were given a visual reflection sheet for their assessment.
In art process is a very big part of the expression. If not for the process many artists would not be. For learners is of utmost importance to recognize their process, as well as their product. Below you will find a combination of both.
After their critter had been rendered in clay, and was waiting to be fired, learners began building their habitats. These were constructed from paper and cut to form a cube, learners built their habitat while it was flat using paper, crayons and markers then folded it to its cube form. After the critters had been fired the learners painted them with watercolors and oil pastels. The final step was assembly and placing their finished work in the library for display. Some learners were recorded during their process of discovery and design. Some learners were recorded after their process was finished to talk about their story and process. All learners were given a visual reflection sheet for their assessment.
In art process is a very big part of the expression. If not for the process many artists would not be. For learners is of utmost importance to recognize their process, as well as their product. Below you will find a combination of both.
4th Grader Architects
The 4th grade learners embarked on a cross content journey for the fall semester of learning. In their social studies group they were learning about Ancient Native Americans, in art they were learning about Native American art and culture as it developed through out time. For this lesson learners were asked to think about how Native Americans of the plains used architecture in their lives. 4th graders were given a design challenge that encouraged them to think about portability, mobility and sustainability in architecture. Through discussion and visual resources 4th graders learned about structure and function, stability and portability. They were given a set of criteria that their build must meet at the end. They designed, built and assessed in several stages. Building taking the longest of all processes. For their reflection they completed a nearpod assessment activity.
In art process is a very big part of the expression. If not for the process many artists would not be. For learners is of utmost importance to recognize their process, as well as their product. Below you will find a combination of both.
In art process is a very big part of the expression. If not for the process many artists would not be. For learners is of utmost importance to recognize their process, as well as their product. Below you will find a combination of both.
