Creative Clay Campaign

Overview

This 200-minute art lesson aligns with the National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) for Grade 6 through 8 in the Media Arts (MA:Cr2) domain and encourages students to utilize their creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills to create a compelling 120-second promotional video. The aim is to inspire others to adopt forgotten or abandoned clay projects by evoking emotions such as sorrow, hope, or excitement. Students will work in small groups to combine visuals, music, and narrative prompts to deliver their message effectively. This engaging activity blends visual arts and media production into a single interdisciplinary project.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Identify and reflect on the meaning and emotional impact of abandoned art projects, specifically clay works, as a metaphor for resilience and renewal.
2. Demonstrate collaboration and cooperative teamwork by completing an art-based group project.
3. Utilize video production techniques, including storyboard creation, editing, and sound design.
4. Communicate a powerful narrative through imagery, music, and storytelling in a time-limited digital medium.

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Materials Needed

For the Class:

• Computer or tablet with video editing software (e.g., iMovie, Clipchamp, or Adobe Express)
• A projector or large TV to showcase works
• Access to school-safe music platforms for royalty-free tracks

For Each Group:

• One forgotten clay project (teacher-provided or clay pieces left behind from past art units)
• Colored craft paper, markers, and scissors for storyboarding
• Smartphones or cameras for filming (if available)

Miscellaneous:

• Sticky notes, pens, and pencils for brainstorming

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Time Breakdown (200 Minutes)

Warm-Up & Introduction (20 minutes)

1. Class Discussion (10 minutes)

   • Begin with an engaging conversation about clay as a medium. Ask students:
     • What can clay symbolize in art?
     • How do art projects "tell stories" to new viewers?
     • How might feeling forgotten and "losing hope" be expressed in art?
   • Show an example of a restored clay artwork to set the tone for the activity. Discuss how an artwork's history could inspire someone to care for and adopt it.

2. Task Explanation (10 minutes)

   • Introduce the project and explain the challenge:
     "In groups, create a 120-second promotional video that inspires an emotional connection to a forgotten clay project and persuades others to adopt these pieces. Combine visuals, music, and a storyline to evoke hope, sorrow, or enthusiasm."

   • Break down the timeline and final output clearly. Show a 60-second teacher-made example video to set a benchmark.

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Pre-Production: Brainstorming (30 minutes)

1. Group students into teams of five.

2. Provide each group with one forgotten clay project (use clay faces with cracks, misshapen bowls, faded sculptures, etc.).

3. Team Brainstorming Session:

   • Encourage students to respond to prompts:
     • What story does this piece tell?
     • How would it feel if it could talk?
     • Who would benefit from adopting it?
     • What visuals do you imagine for this story?

   Students must decide whether to evoke hope, enthusiasm, or sorrow in their video.

4. Begin creating a storyboard using craft paper—each group will sketch basic ideas for 6–8 scenes in their promotional video.

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Production: Filming and Editing (120 minutes)

Part 1: Filming (60 minutes)

• Guide students to create visual elements for their videos based on their storyboard. Suggestions:

  • Use natural light and shadows to create drama for sorrowful themes.
  • Use paper or construction backdrops to set emotional tones.
  • Incorporate hands shaping clay or close-ups of texture to captivate attention.

• Encourage groups to use props for storytelling. For example:

  • Placing a cracked clay mug on a bright table for hopeful repair.
  • Wrapping a clay piece in "bubbles" like it's being rescued.

• Capture creative action shots.

Part 2: Editing (60 minutes)

• Pair students with tablets or computers and begin editing.

• Encourage exploration of digital effects:

  • Use slow-motion paired with emotional music for sorrow.
  • Add text overlays with encouraging adoption messages for hope.
  • Incorporate uplifting soundtracks or narration for enthusiasm.

• Ensure all videos aim for a precise 120-second runtime for consistency.

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Final Showcase: Present and Reflect (30 minutes)

1. Screen the Videos (20 minutes)

   • Create a mini “film festival” environment. Dim the lights and screen all videos back-to-back.
   • After each video, encourage students to clap and share one word that describes how it made them feel.

2. Reflection and Discussion Prompt (10 minutes):

   • Ask students:
     • What techniques stood out in others’ videos?
     • How did music and visuals convey emotion?
     • If given extra time, what would you improve in your own video?

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Assessment Rubric (Based on NCAS: Media Arts Standards MA:Cr2.1.6-8a)

Students will be assessed on:

1. Narrative Creativity (30%): How well the video tells an engaging or emotional story.
2. Technical Execution (20%): Effective use of filming techniques, editing, and music.
3. Group Collaboration (20%): Evidence of teamwork and equal contributions.
4. Message Impact (30%): The clarity and persuasiveness of the message for adopting forgotten artworks.

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Extension Ideas

• Create a digital gallery where all videos are showcased on the school website.
• Pair the videos with an exhibit of the adopted clay projects for a parent-teacher arts night.
• Encourage cross-curricular connections: have students write personal reflections in ELA about how creating the video impacted their perception of “forgotten works.”

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This detailed lesson plan offers a deep dive into the creative process for students while developing important media and storytelling skills. It’s an age-appropriate yet challenging way to integrate technology and fine arts while fostering empathy and innovation. Teachers and students alike will be thrilled with how hands-on and meaningful this project becomes!