### Year 6 Art Lesson Plan: Sculpture and Mixed Media
**Lesson Title:** Exploring Sculpture and Mixed Media
**Grade Level:** Year 6
**Duration:** 2 hours
**Learning Objectives:**
1. Understand the basic concepts of sculpture and mixed media in art.
2. Develop technical skills in creating sculptures using various materials.
3. Explore and apply different textures and finishes.
4. Encourage creativity and personal expression.
**Materials Needed:**
- Clay or modeling dough
- Recyclable materials (cardboard, plastic bottles, etc.)
- Wire
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paints and brushes
- Assorted beads, buttons, and fabric scraps
- Reference images of famous sculptures and mixed media art
- Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
**Preparation:**
1. Set up workstations with all necessary materials.
2. Prepare a presentation with images and information about famous sculptures and mixed media art.
3. Choose an inspirational piece of music to play quietly in the background during the activity.
**Lesson Outline:**
### Introduction (15 minutes)
1. **Welcome and Objectives**
- Greet the students and introduce the day's lesson on sculpture and mixed media.
- Explain the learning objectives and what students will be creating.
2. **Discussion and Presentation**
- Present a brief history and key concepts of sculpture and mixed media (e.g., Michelangelo’s “David”, Louise Nevelson’s assemblages).
- Show images of different types of sculptures (abstract, realistic, kinetic) and mixed media art to inspire students.
### Instructional Input (15 minutes)
1. **Techniques and Demonstration**
- Demonstrate basic sculpting techniques using clay or modeling dough.
- Show how to combine recyclable materials with clay to create a mixed media piece.
- Discuss how to safely use scissors, wire, and other tools.
- Explain the importance of planning the structure and stabilizing the base.
### Guided Practice (30 minutes)
1. **Initial Creation Phase**
- Assist students in planning their sculpture, considering the form, balance, and stability.
- Encourage students to sketch a simple design before starting.
- Guide students as they begin to construct their sculptures using clay and other mixed media materials.
2. **Problem-Solving and Support**
- Walk around the classroom offering individualized support and feedback on technique and composition.
- Encourage students to explore textures and finishes by adding details such as fabric, beads, or paint.
### Independent Practice (45 minutes)
1. **Creating the Sculpture**
- Allow students to continue working independently on their sculptures.
- Remind them to think about how different materials can be combined effectively.
- Encourage them to be creative and experiment with new ideas.
2. **Reflection and Refinement**
- Prompt students to step back and assess their work halfway through.
- Offer suggestions for refinement and encourage peer feedback.
### Conclusion (15 minutes)
1. **Presentation and Sharing**
- Have students display their sculptures and share their creative process and the inspiration behind their work.
- Give positive feedback and highlight the features of each sculpture.
2. **Clean-Up**
- Guide students to carefully clean up their workstations and store their sculptures safely if they need time to dry.
### Assessment:
- **Formative Assessment:**
- Observe student participation during the discussion and guided practice.
- Provide ongoing feedback during the creation process.
- **Summative Assessment:**
- Evaluate the final sculptures based on creativity, use of mixed media, technical skills, and overall effort.
- Encourage self-assessment and a short reflective writing task about what they learned and enjoyed the most.
**Extensions/Homework:**
- Encourage students to research a famous sculptor or mixed media artist and prepare a short presentation for the next class.
- Suggest creating a mini sculpture or mixed media piece at home using everyday objects.
**Notes:**
- Be sure to adapt the lesson for any students with special needs or those who may require additional support.
- Have extra materials on hand for students who finish early or want to experiment more.
By the end of the lesson, students will have a deeper understanding of sculpture and mixed media, enhanced technical skills, and a tangible piece of art they can be proud of.