Creative Design Lab

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Overview

Grade Level: 9th Grade
Subject: STEM - Technology and Digital Design
Topic: Introduction to Canva - Creating Graphics for T-Shirts, Posters, and Flyers
Lesson Duration: 80 minutes
Standards: This lesson aligns with ISTE Standards for Students (International Society for Technology in Education) focusing on Empowered Learner (Standard 1a), Creative Communicator (Standard 6b & 6d), and Innovative Designer (Standard 4b). It also aligns with Common Core ELA standards, as students will incorporate visual communication in alignment with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5.

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Lesson Objectives

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

1. Understand the basics of graphic design principles applied to digital tools.
2. Navigate Canva’s interface and utilize fundamental tools.
3. Create an aesthetically pleasing and purpose-driven T-shirt design, poster, or flyer.
4. Apply creative problem-solving skills to design a product for a contest or real-world purpose.

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Materials Required

1. Computers or laptops with internet access (1 per student)
2. Canva accounts (set up free student accounts or log in prior to the lesson)
3. Pre-determined design goals or contest briefs (e.g., design for a school fundraiser, environmental awareness campaign, or community event)
4. Whiteboard or digital projector for live demonstration of Canva
5. Handout: “Graphic Design Basics” - an easy reference for design principles like alignment, contrast, proximity, and typography

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Lesson Breakdown

Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and introduce Canva’s purpose.

1. Discussion – Creative Tools in Daily Life:

   • Begin by asking students if they’ve seen creative advertisements, T-shirts, or posters that caught their eye.
   • Show 2-3 examples of impactful designs (printed handouts or slides).

2. Quick Group Brainstorm Activity:

   • In pairs, have students discuss what makes a good design. Write down 2-3 ideas.
   • Share answers as a class to prepare for Canva’s design principles.

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Introduction to Canva (20 minutes)

Objective: Familiarize students with Canva’s layout and tools.

1. Project Demo:

   • Open Canva and demonstrate the following:
     • Logging in and choosing a design template (T-shirt, poster, or flyer).
     • Basic navigation (Dashboard, Search Bar, and Left-Side Toolbar).
     • Working with elements like text, shapes, images, and color palettes.

2. Hands-On Navigation Activity (5 minutes):

   • Allow students to log in to their accounts and explore the platform.
   • Assign quick tasks:
     • Find and insert 2 shapes into a blank canvas.
     • Change the background color.
     • Add a decorative text banner.

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Design Challenge (40 minutes)

Objective: Apply creativity to design a contest-worthy product.

Scenario Prompt:
“Your school is hosting a design contest to promote a Choose Kindness campaign through T-shirts, posters, or flyers. Create a design that resonates with this theme and inspires your peers!”

1. Step-by-Step Guide:
   • (5 minutes) Brainstorm ideas: Each student draws a rough sketch or writes 2-3 key ideas for their design.
   • (5 minutes) Open Canva - choose a primary template!
     • T-Shirt: Focus on text and illustrations.
     • Poster: Balance typography with bold visuals.
     • Flyer: Ensure clarity and space for text.
   • (30 minutes) Create your design using Canva. Provide these guiding tips:
     • Use contrast and color psychology (e.g., yellow for positivity, blue for calm).
     • Be purposeful with fonts (bold for attention, script for elegance).
     • Focus on balance (not too crowded, leave breathing space).

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Show-and-Tell (10 minutes)

Objective: Critique designs and provide constructive feedback.

1. Gallery Walk:

   • Students will display their designs on their screens. Encourage students to walk around and view one another’s work.

2. Feedback Time:

   • Select 2-3 designs for live feedback on the projector. Ask the student designers to share their creative process.
   • Classmates offer one “glow” (positive feedback) and one “grow” (suggestion for improvement).

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Wrap-Up and Reflection (5 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on skills learned and connect with real-world applications.

1. Classroom Reflexive Discussion:

   • What was your favorite part of the design process?
   • How can these skills (graphic design, creativity, using Canva) be applied in careers or daily life?

2. Homework/Extension Activity:

   • “Submit a design to a real contest!” Research local online contests or your teacher may assign a specific one. Alternatively, apply your design to a future school project.

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Assessment

1. Formative Assessment (Observational):

   • Monitor student engagement during hands-on Canva activity.
   • Check if students can navigate the platform independently.

2. Summative Assessment:

   • Assess students' designs based on creativity, practical use of Canva tools, and adherence to graphic design principles (rubric-based evaluation).

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Differentiation Strategies

1. For Struggling Learners:

   • Pair with a buddy for support.
   • Provide a simplified step-by-step handout for Canva navigation.

2. For Advanced Learners:

   • Encourage advanced students to experiment with Canva’s animation or collaboration tools.
   • Have them create a series (e.g., a flyer and matching poster design).

3. For Diverse Learners:

   • Offer visual aids (demonstrations, templates) and simplified instructions.
   • Provide the option to create designs related to their own cultural or personal interests.

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Extension Ideas

• After the lesson, have students simulate a pitch session, presenting their designs to a panel of judges or peers.
• Integrate cross-curricular links by encouraging students to design science fair posters, history project flyers, or math-themed T-shirts.

This lesson encourages exploration, creativity, and technology use, while engaging students in hands-on learning through Canva. It fosters the development of future-ready skills, ensuring students are empowered as creators in STEM and beyond.