### **Lesson Plan: Year 8 Art - Introduction to Printmaking**
**Grade Level:** Year 8
**Topic:** Printmaking
**Duration:** 2 class periods (90 minutes each)
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#### **Learning Objectives:**
- Students will understand the basic concepts and history of printmaking.
- Students will learn and apply the techniques of linocut printmaking.
- Students will create an original print using the linocut method.
- Students will develop skills in critical analysis by discussing the prints created by themselves and their peers.
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#### **Materials Needed:**
- Linoleum blocks (4x6 inches recommended)
- Linocut carving tools
- Brayers (rollers)
- Printing inks (water-based is recommended)
- Printing paper (various colors and types)
- Pencils and sketch paper
- Tracing paper and carbon paper
- Protective gloves and aprons
- Newspaper or drop cloth (to protect surfaces)
- Rulers and cutting mats
- Visual aids (samples of prints, historical printmaking techniques, video tutorial)
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#### **Standards Addressed:**
- **Visual Arts Standards:**
- Engage in exploration and imaginative play with materials.
- Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
- Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- Anchor Standard 3: Refine and complete artistic work.
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#### **Day 1: Introduction and Design Phase**
**1. Introduction (15 minutes):**
- Briefly discuss the history of printmaking, highlighting different techniques such as woodcut, etching, and screen printing.
- Show examples of famous prints and discuss their impact on art and society.
- Introduce linocut printmaking, showing visual aids or a video tutorial of the process.
**2. Design Phase (30 minutes):**
- Hand out sketch paper and pencils.
- Students will brainstorm and sketch 2-3 ideas for their print designs.
- Encourage students to think about themes, patterns, and textures.
- Once initial sketches are done, students will select their favorite design and refine it into a final draft.
**3. Transfer Design (15 minutes):**
- Demonstrate how to transfer a design from paper to linoleum block using tracing paper and carbon paper.
- Students will transfer their designs onto their linoleum blocks, ensuring that they carve the reverse image.
**4. Carving Demonstration (10 minutes):**
- Demonstrate safe and effective linocut carving techniques.
- Discuss the importance of safety, including wearing protective gloves and proper tool handling.
**5. Carving Practice (20 minutes):**
- Students will begin carving their designs into the linoleum blocks.
- Circulate around the room to offer guidance and ensure safety practices are followed.
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#### **Day 2: Carving and Printing Phase**
**1. Carving Completion (30 minutes):**
- Students will continue and complete their carving.
- Remind students to take their time and focus on details for better prints.
**2. Inking Demonstration (10 minutes):**
- Demonstrate how to properly ink the linocut block using a brayer and printing ink.
- Discuss the different effects of using varying ink amounts and roller techniques.
**3. Printing Practice (40 minutes):**
- Students will print their designs onto different types of printing paper.
- Encourage experimentation with different ink colors and paper types.
- Allow students to create multiple prints to explore different results.
**4. Clean-Up (10 minutes):**
- Ensure students properly clean tools, workspaces, and dispose of materials as needed.
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#### **Review and Reflection:**
**1. Critique Session (20 minutes):**
- Create a mini-gallery with students' prints displayed.
- Facilitate a class discussion where each student explains their design and process.
- Encourage constructive feedback, focusing on techniques and artistic choices.
**2. Reflection Activity (10 minutes):**
- Distribute reflection sheets to students.
- Pose guiding questions such as:
- What did you enjoy most about the printmaking process?
- What challenges did you encounter and how did you overcome them?
- How did your final print compare to your original design?
**3. Homework/Extension:**
- Ask students to research a printmaker of their choice and prepare a short presentation or report to share with the class in the next session.
**4. Closing (5 minutes):**
- Recap key learning points.
- Inform students about the next class activity and what materials they might need to bring.
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### **Assessment:**
- **Formative:**
- Observe student participation during discussions and activities.
- Provide feedback during the carving and printing process.
- **Summative:**
- Evaluate the final prints based on creativity, execution, and adherence to techniques.
- Assess reflection sheets and critique participation for understanding and personal insight.
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This lesson plan should engage Year 8 students in the fascinating world of printmaking, teaching them not only the technical skills but also encouraging artistic expression and critical thinking.