### Lesson Plan: Printmaking for Grade 7
**Subject:** Art
**Grade:** 7
**Topic:** Printmaking
**Duration:** 90 minutes (1 class period)
#### Objectives
- Students will understand the basic concepts and historical significance of printmaking.
- Students will learn different techniques of printmaking such as monoprinting, linocut, and etching.
- Students will create their own print using learned techniques.
- Students will reflect on their printmaking process and outcomes.
#### Materials
- Brayer (roller)
- Printmaking ink (water-soluble)
- Linoleum blocks or soft-cut blocks
- Carving tools
- Plexiglass or acetate sheets for monoprinting
- Printing paper (variety of textures)
- Pencils and sketch paper
- Newsprint or scrap paper for test prints
- Safety gloves (optional)
#### Standards Met
- **National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) Visual Arts:**
- VA:Cr1.2.7a Develop criteria to guide making a work of art or design to meet an identified goal.
- VA:Pr5.1.7a Prepare and present artwork based on a given theme and reflect on the process and outcome.
#### Lesson Steps
**Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Hook:** Show various examples of printmaking from different periods and cultures. Discuss the diversity and significance of the art form.
2. **Overview:** Explain the day's objectives and give a brief introduction to the history and types of printmaking (e.g., monoprinting, linocut, etching).
**Instruction/Demonstration (20 minutes)**
1. **Demonstration:**
- Perform a step-by-step demonstration of a basic monoprint. Explain each step clearly and discuss the materials used.
- Show the process of transferring a sketch to a linoleum block, carving out the design, and creating a linocut print.
2. **Safety Instructions:** Highlight the importance of using carving tools safely. Discuss the proper use and care of tools and materials.
**Activity: Creating Your Own Print (40 minutes)**
1. **Sketching (10 minutes):**
- Have students create their own designs on sketch paper. Encourage creativity but remind them to keep designs relatively simple for their first print.
2. **Monoprinting (15 minutes):**
- Students will apply ink to a plexiglass sheet, place their sketch under the sheet, and trace the design onto the inked surface with cotton swabs, fingers, or other tools.
- Place a sheet of printing paper over the inked surface and smooth it out using a brayer or hands to transfer the design.
3. **Linocut (15 minutes):**
- Students will transfer their sketch to a linoleum block, carve out the design, and roll ink over the block.
- Position printing paper on top of the inked block and press evenly to transfer the design.
- Carefully peel the paper back to reveal the print.
**Conclusion (15 minutes)**
1. **Clean Up:** Allocate 5 minutes for students to clean their workstations and tools.
2. **Gallery Walk:** Display the students' prints around the classroom. Have students walk around to view each other's works.
3. **Reflection:** Give each student a few minutes to write a brief reflection on their process and the outcome of their print. Encourage them to consider what worked well and what they might do differently next time.
**Assessment:**
- Informal assessment through observation during the activity to gauge understanding and engagement.
- Collect and review students' reflections to assess their grasp of the printmaking process and their ability to evaluate their own work.
**Homework/Extension:**
- Students can research a famous printmaker and write a short report or create a presentation about their life and work.
- Alternatively, they can experiment with printmaking at home using simple materials (e.g., potatoes for potato prints).
#### Differentiation
- **For Students Needing Extra Support:** Provide pre-drawn designs for those who might struggle with creating their own. Offer step-by-step assistance.
- **For Advanced Students:** Encourage more intricate or detailed designs. Introduce additional techniques such as multi-color prints.
#### Safety Considerations
- Ensure all students are aware of how to handle carving tools safely.
- Provide gloves for students who need them.
By the end of this lesson, students should have a basic understanding of printmaking techniques, a hands-on experience of creating a print, and an appreciation for the artistry and history of printmaking.