## Lesson Plan: Printmaking and Mixed Media
### Grade Level: 8
### Subject: Art
### Duration: 3 Classes (45 minutes each)
### Topic: Printmaking and Mixed Media
### Objectives:
- Students will understand the basics of printmaking techniques such as relief, stencil, and monotype.
- Students will explore the concept of mixed media by combining different materials and techniques.
- Students will create their own printmaking projects incorporating mixed media elements.
### Materials Needed:
- Linoleum blocks or carving soft blocks
- Speedball carving tools
- Block printing ink
- Brayers (rollers)
- Printing paper
- Stencils
- Brushes and sponges
- Mixed media materials (e.g., magazine cutouts, tissue paper, fabric scraps, etc.)
- Glue
- Scissors
- Paints (acrylic or watercolor)
- Palette
### Standards:
- National Core Arts Standards (NCAS):
- VA:Cr1.2.8a: Develop art-making skills and techniques in at least two art forms.
- VA:Cr2.1.8a: Demonstrate awareness of safety procedures in making art.
- VA:Cr3.1.8a: Apply visual organizational strategies to design work.
### Lesson Activities and Timeline:
#### Class 1: Introduction to Printmaking (45 minutes)
**Materials:** Linoleum blocks, carving tools, brayers, block printing ink, printing paper
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**:
- Brief lecture on the history of printmaking, touching on famous printmakers such as Albrecht Dürer and modern artists.
- Explain the various types of printmaking: relief, intaglio, lithography, and stencil. Focus on relief and stencil for this project.
- Discuss the safety procedures for handling carving tools.
2. **Demonstration (10 minutes)**:
- Demonstrate how to carve a linoleum block safely, focusing on the basic techniques of creating lines and removing areas to print.
- Show how to ink the linoleum block using a brayer and create a print on paper.
3. **Hands-On Practice (20 minutes)**:
- Students begin sketching their designs on linoleum blocks.
- Start carving the blocks with instructor assistance and supervision for proper technique and safety.
4. **Wrap-Up (5 minutes)**:
- Review the key points of the lesson.
- Assign students to complete their carving for the next class.
#### Class 2: Printing and Experimentation (45 minutes)
**Materials:** Carved linoleum blocks, block printing ink, brayers, printing paper, stencils, brushes, sponges
1. **Review & Printing Setup (10 minutes)**:
- Briefly review the printmaking technique and safety protocols.
- Set up printing stations with ink, brayers, and paper.
2. **Printing Session (25 minutes)**:
- Students complete their first prints on paper, experimenting with different amounts of ink and paper pressure.
- Introduce stenciling techniques using paper or plastic stencils with brushes and sponges to layer over prints.
3. **Experimentation with Color and Layers (10 minutes)**:
- Encourage students to experiment with different colors and mix layers using both relief prints and stencils.
- Demonstrate how to incorporate textures by using fabric or other materials.
4. **Clean-Up and Discussion (5 minutes)**:
- Students clean their stations.
- Brief class discussion on their experiences and what they learned about printmaking and layering.
#### Class 3: Mixed Media Printmaking (45 minutes)
**Materials:** Completed prints, mixed media materials (magazine cutouts, tissue paper, fabric scraps, glue, paints, brushes)
1. **Introduction to Mixed Media (5 minutes)**:
- Explain the concept of mixed media art and how it combines multiple materials and techniques.
- Show examples of mixed media artworks incorporating printmaking.
2. **Planning and Design (10 minutes)**:
- Students brainstorm and sketch ideas for incorporating mixed media into their prints.
- Emphasize creativity and personal expression.
3. **Mixed Media Creation (25 minutes)**:
- Students begin adding mixed media elements to their prints.
- They may cut out sections, collage materials, paint over areas, or add texture with glue and fabric.
- Instructor provides guidance and feedback.
4. **Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)**:
- Students share their work with the class and discuss their creative process.
- Reflect on what they learned about combining printmaking with mixed media.
### Assessment:
- Formative assessment through observations and feedback during class.
- Summative assessment based on the completed mixed media print project, considering creativity, technique, and effort.
### Homework:
- Reflect on the experience and write a short paragraph describing the most challenging and enjoyable parts of the project.
- Sketch ideas for future printmaking projects incorporating mixed media elements.
### Differentiation:
- Offer additional one-on-one assistance to students who may struggle with carving or other techniques.
- Provide alternative tools or methods for students who may have difficulty with traditional carving tools.
- Encourage advanced students to experiment with more complex compositions and layering techniques.
### Extension:
- Plan a trip to a local art museum to view printmaking and mixed media exhibits.
- Invite a guest artist specializing in printmaking to demonstrate advanced techniques and share their work.
### Classroom Setup:
- Arrange tables in groups to facilitate collaborative work.
- Designate specific areas for carving, printing, and mixed media work to ensure organized and safe environments.
### Conclusion:
This lesson plan aims to engage Grade 8 students in the creative and intricate world of printmaking and mixed media. It offers hands-on experiences, encourages experimentation, and fosters an appreciation for diverse artistic methods and materials.