Creative Mechanisms

Overview

This lesson focuses on exploring simple mechanisms in Art and Design, aligned with the UK National Curriculum for Year 2, specifically under Art and Design: Exploring and Developing Ideas. The objective is to engage students in understanding and creating art that incorporates basic mechanisms while accommodating their need for movement and collaboration.

Objectives

1. Introduce students to simple mechanisms (e.g., levers, sliders).
2. Encourage creativity and teamwork.
3. Facilitate active participation with a kinesthetic approach.

Materials

• Cardboard pieces (pre-cut for safety)
• Brass fasteners
• Coloured paper
• Child-friendly scissors
• Glue sticks
• Markers and crayons
• A simple mechanism toy for demonstration
• Large clear plastic storage bags (for storing materials)
• Music for background (optional)

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 mins)

• Set Up: Students sit in a circle. Briefly demonstrate a toy with a simple mechanism like a lever. Explain that they will create an artwork using mechanisms.
• Discussion: Ask, "What makes these toys move?" Encourage ideas, focusing on levers and sliders.

Demonstration and Instructions (5 mins)

• Show a simple art piece with a moving part (e.g., a cardboard fish with a swinging tail).
• Explain: Discuss how levers can make parts move, showing the cardboard fish.
• Instructions: Demonstrate how to use brass fasteners to create a simple lever mechanism within their artwork.

Activity: Creating Mechanism Art (25 mins)

• Initial Task (10 mins):

  • Divide students into small groups of 4.
  • Each group chooses a theme (e.g., animals, vehicles) for their artwork.
  • Encourage them to sketch on paper what part of their art they want to move.

• Creation (15 mins):

  • Step 1: Cut shapes from cardboard and coloured paper (e.g., a bird, an arm of a robot).
  • Step 2: Attach movable parts using brass fasteners to create a lever mechanism.
  • Step 3: Decorate using markers and crayons.

• Support and Guidance: Circulate to offer guidance and ensure safe handling of tools.

Gallery Walk and Reflection (10 mins)

• Walk Around (5 mins): Groups walk around to see other projects, gently operating mechanisms.
• Discussion (5 mins): Back in the circle, share experiences. Prompt: "What was fun or challenging about making mechanisms?"

Extension Activities (Optional)

For those who finish early or are particularly enthusiastic, encourage experimenting with:

• Adding a slider to make another part move.
• Designing a creative background for their piece.

Considerations for Classroom Management

• Movement: Ensure students have space to move around during the gallery walk.
• Collaboration: Encourage teamwork, perhaps through a brief task where they need to find another group who used a different type of mechanism.
• Behaviour: Use music or small movement breaks to help transition between activities smoothly.

Assessment

• Observation: Watch for engagement and participation.
• Feedback: Offer specific praise and pointers during the gallery walk.
• Self-Reflection: Have students share what they learned about mechanisms.

By integrating mechanisms into Art and Design, students experience a dynamic classroom environment. This lesson fosters creativity, collaboration, and a basic understanding of simple machines with age-appropriate projects that keep students actively engaged.