Combining Art and Tech

Year Level

Year 2

Duration

30 minutes

Class Size

6 students

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Unit Context

This lesson is the 10th in a 15-lesson unit titled "Creative Connections: Art & Tech." This lesson explores how art and technology intersect and provides students with hands-on experience using digital tools to edit and enhance photographs they took earlier in the unit.

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Curriculum Connections

This lesson is designed to align with the Australian Curriculum (v9), specifically within The Arts learning area, Visual Arts, and Digital Technologies integration for Year 2 students.

Relevant Content Descriptions (The Arts: Visual Arts)

• AC9AVA2C01: Use visual conventions, visual arts processes and materials to create artworks.
• AC9AVA2E02: Explore examples of visual arts created by First Nations Australians, with a view to understanding how cultural stories and technology interface (optional extension).
• AC9AVA2C01_E6: Using a combination of digital art and analog art-making (e.g., digital photography and apps) to create collaged works expressing emotions and ideas.

Relevant General Capabilities

• ICT Capability: Using digital tools to create and modify artworks.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Developing questions about combining digital technology and art; experimenting with visual effects.
• Personal and Social Capability: Sharing ideas and responding to peers' artworks respectfully.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand that art and technology can be combined to create and enhance artworks using digital tools.
2. Use simple digital editing tools to modify their own photographs, experimenting with colour, filters, and shapes.
3. Talk about how technology changed their original photos and express their feelings or ideas about their digital artwork.
4. Respectfully share their artworks with peers and respond positively to others’ creations.

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Materials and Technology

• Digital devices with simple photo editing apps suitable for Year 2 level (e.g., tablet or laptop with kid-friendly photo editors)
• Students’ previously taken photographs (from earlier lessons in the unit)
• Projector or screen for demonstration
• Headphones (optional, for individual focus)
• Paper and pencils for sketching/reflection notes

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Lesson Activities & Timing

1. Introduction and Discussion (5 minutes)

• Begin with a brief discussion:
• Ask: "What things can art and technology do when we use them together?"
• Show examples of digitally enhanced photos (simple filters, colour changes, shapes added).
• Explain that today, we will explore how to make our photos into new artworks using technology.

2. Demonstration (5 minutes)

• Teacher demonstrates using the digital photo editing tool:
• Opening a photo.
• Applying a filter or changing colours.
• Adding simple shapes or stickers.
• Saving their work.
• Emphasise exploration and creativity.

3. Student Activity: Digital Editing (15 minutes)

• Each student works individually on their device to:
• Select one of their earlier photographs.
• Experiment with editing tools: adjust colours, apply filters, add shapes or digital “drawings” on their photo.
• Encourage students to ask questions and try different options.
• Teacher circulates providing guidance and encouragement.

4. Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students share their edited photos on the projector or their devices.
• Facilitate a short group discussion:
• "What changes did you make?"
• "How did the technology help you create a new kind of artwork?"
• Encourage positive feedback among students.

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Assessment (Informal)

• Observe students' ability to:
• Navigate and use digital editing tools.
• Explain their artwork changes and choices.
• Participate in respectful sharing and responding.
• Teacher to note engagement, creativity, and understanding in informal observation and during sharing time.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide extra support or pair students who may need help navigating digital tools.
• Allow students to choose from a range of editing effects to suit their confidence and interest.
• Use accessible apps with simple interfaces designed for young children.
• Encourage expressive explanations for students who prefer talking over writing.

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Links to Australian Curriculum (v9) Standards Summary

• The Arts (Visual Arts):
• AC9AVA2C01 – use visual arts processes and materials including digital tools to create artworks
• General Capabilities:
• ICT Capability: Using digital technologies safely and creatively to make art
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Experimenting with artistic options and reflecting upon decisions.

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This lesson integrates technology in a tangible, playful, and imaginative way that enhances students’ understanding of art creation, following Australian Curriculum expectations for Year 2 Visual Arts. It offers a scaffolded experience to wow students and teachers alike by combining a traditional art form with modern digital tools, encouraging creative exploration underpinned by curriculum frameworks.