Cubist Mask Materials

Overview

This lesson introduces Year 6 students (ages 10-11) to the materials they will use for their Cubist mask creations. Through hands-on activities and guided exploration, students will learn about and manipulate cardboard and air-drying clay, setting the foundation for their artistic projects.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand the properties and uses of cardboard and air-drying clay.
2. Demonstrate basic manipulation techniques for both materials.
3. Begin to conceptualise how these materials can be combined for their Cubist mask designs.

Curriculum Frameworks

This lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for Art and Design (Key Stage 2), specifically:

• Attainment Target 1: Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
• Attainment Target 2: Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
• Attainment Target 3: Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Resources Needed

• Materials:
  • Sheets of cardboard (A4 and A3 sizes)
  • Air-drying clay (in various neutral colours)
  • Sculpting tools (palette knives, rollers, texture stamps)
  • Safety scissors
  • Glue (PVA and hot glue)
  • Paints and brushes for future use
• Equipment:
  • Work tables
  • Aprons or old shirts
  • Rolling pins (for clay)
  • Sketchbooks and pencils
  • Visual reference images of Cubist art and masks

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Hook: Show a short video clip (1-2 minutes) of Cubist masks by various artists to intrigue students.
• Spark discussion: "What materials do you think they used? Why do you think they chose those materials?"
• Learning outcomes announcement: Share what students will learn about today.

2. Properties of Cardboard (10 minutes)

• Discussion: Discuss characteristics of cardboard (sturdy, lightweight, recyclable) and its uses in art.
• Demonstration: Show how to cut and manipulate cardboard, folding techniques, layering, and basic assembly.
• Activity: In pairs, students will create a simple flat shape using cardboard (like a simple geometric form) by cutting and gluing.

3. Properties of Air-Drying Clay (10 minutes)

• Discussion: Explain the properties of air-drying clay (malleable, durable, easy to paint) and suitable for sculpting.
• Demonstration: Show basic techniques: rolling, pinching, and attaching pieces of clay.
• Activity: Individually, students will create a small clay feature (e.g., a simple face or geometric piece) focusing on texture and form.

4. Combining Materials (10 minutes)

• Discussion: How can we integrate cardboard and clay? Discuss potential design ideas for their Cubist masks.
• Activity: Brainstorm ideas in sketchbooks. Encourage students to draw thumbnails of their envisioned mask, indicating where they would like to use both materials.

5. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Students will share one idea from their sketches with the class, promoting collaborative feedback.
• Summarise key points of the lesson.
• Ask students to clean their workspaces and prepare their materials for the next lesson on refining their mask designs.

Assessment

• Informal assessment through observation during the group discussions and activities.
• Review of sketches and verbal presentations to evaluate understanding and creativity.

Differentiation

• Support: Provide templates for students who may struggle with manipulation of materials.
• Extension: Challenge advanced students to incorporate mixed media into their designs, such as the addition of paint or found objects.

Health and Safety

• Ensure students use scissors carefully and handle tools appropriately.
• Stress the importance of cleanliness, especially after working with clay.

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This structured yet flexible lesson plan will engage students in both creativity and exploration while ensuring alignment with UK educational standards, fostering a deeper understanding of materials in the context of Cubist art.