Lesson Plan for Grade 8 - Art - Printmaking and Mixed Media

# Grade 8 Art Lesson Plan: Printmaking and Mixed Media ## Lesson Title: Exploring Printmaking and Mixed Media ### Grade Level: 8 ### Duration: 3 Classes (50 minutes each) ### Objectives: 1. Introduce students to the basic techniques and principles of printmaking. 2. Encourage creativity through the combination of printmaking and mixed media. 3. Develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and artistry. 4. Enhance understanding of historical and contemporary uses of printmaking. ### Materials Needed: - Brayers (rollers) - Printing inks (various colors) - Plexiglass or linoleum blocks for printmaking - Carving tools (assorted sizes) - Paper (various textures and weights) - Mixed media supplies (acrylic paints, markers, pastels, collage materials, etc.) - Palette knives - Disposable gloves - Pencils and erasers - Sketchbooks - Aprons or old shirts - Water containers and paper towels - Newspapers or butcher paper for covering tables ### Class 1: Introduction to Printmaking **1. Warm-up Activity (10 minutes)** - Brief discussion on what students already know about printmaking. - Show examples of printmaking in art history and contemporary works. **2. Demonstration (20 minutes)** - Explain the different types of printmaking (e.g., relief, intaglio, lithography, screen printing). - Demonstrate the relief printmaking process using linoleum blocks: 1. Sketching the design 2. Transferring design to block 3. Carving the block 4. Inking and printing **3. Sketching (20 minutes)** - Have students brainstorm and create sketches in their sketchbooks for their print design. ### Class 2: Creating the Print **1. Review and Safety (10 minutes)** - Review the process and safety precautions, especially when using carving tools. **2. Carving the Block (30 minutes)** - Students transfer their sketches to the linoleum blocks and begin carving. - Teacher circulates to provide individual assistance and ensure safety. **3. Cleanup (10 minutes)** - Properly store works and clean tools and workstations. ### Class 3: Printing and Mixed Media **1. Preparing to Print (10 minutes)** - Review the process of inking and printing. - Discuss the balance, composition, and layering in mixed media artwork. **2. Printing Process (20 minutes)** - Students create prints using their carved blocks, experimenting with ink colors and paper types. - Encourage students to print multiple copies for different mixed media applications. **3. Mixed Media Creation (20 minutes)** - Once prints are dry, students use mixed media techniques to enhance their prints. - Options include painting, drawing, collage, and using various textures. **4. Cleanup and Reflection (10 minutes)** - Ensure all tools and materials are cleaned and stored properly. - Have a brief class discussion where students share their experiences and challenges faced during the project. ### Assessment: - **Formative Assessment**: Ongoing observations and check-ins during each class to monitor student progress and understanding. - **Summative Assessment**: Evaluation of completed prints and mixed media artworks based on creativity, effort, technical skill, and adherence to the principles of printmaking. ### Additional Notes: - Encourage students to think about how different textures and materials can alter the perception of their print. - Consider organizing a small exhibition of student work in the school to showcase the completed projects. - Provide additional resources and readings about famous printmakers and mixed media artists for students who show deeper interest in the topic. ### Homework: - Students can research famous printmakers or mixed media artists and prepare a short presentation or report on how they used printmaking in their art.