**Lesson Plan: Printmaking and Mixed Media**
**Class:** Year 8
**Subject:** Art
**Topic:** Printmaking and Mixed Media
**Duration:** 2 weeks (4 lessons, 1 hour each)
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**Learning Objectives:**
- Understand basic printmaking techniques and mixed media.
- Develop skills in creating prints using different methods.
- Experiment with combining printmaking with other media.
- Produce a final mixed media artwork incorporating printmaking.
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**Resources Needed:**
- Printing inks
- Linoleum blocks and carving tools
- Gel plates (Gelli plates)
- Brayers/rollers
- Printing paper and sketchbooks
- Paints, pencils, and markers
- Collage materials (e.g., magazines, fabric, textures)
- Glue, scissors, and other basic supplies
- Aprons and protective coverings
- Reference images for inspiration
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**Lesson Breakdown:**
**Lesson 1: Introduction to Printmaking**
*Objective:* Introduce students to printmaking techniques and tools.
**Activities:**
1. **Introduction to Printmaking:**
- Brief history and overview of printmaking.
- Explanation of different printmaking techniques (e.g. relief, intaglio, lithography, screen printing).
2. **Demonstration:**
- Demonstrate basic relief printmaking using linoleum blocks.
- Show how to carve a simple design, ink a block, and make a print.
3. **Practical:**
- Students sketch a simple design in their sketchbooks.
- Transfer the design to linoleum blocks and begin carving.
4. **Critique and Reflection:**
- Group discussion on initial thoughts and experiences.
**Homework:**
- Complete the linoleum block carving (if necessary).
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**Lesson 2: Printmaking Practice and Introduction to Mixed Media**
*Objective:* Practise printmaking and explore the basics of mixed media.
**Activities:**
1. **Printmaking Practical:**
- Ink the carved linoleum blocks and create prints on paper.
- Encourage experimentation with different inking techniques and pressures.
2. **Introduction to Mixed Media:**
- Discuss what mixed media is and explore examples.
- Brainstorm ideas on how to combine printmaking with other art materials.
3. **Group Activity:**
- In small groups, students share their initial prints and discuss potential mixed media projects.
4. **Critique and Reflection:**
- Display prints and provide feedback.
**Homework:**
- Research examples of mixed media artworks and bring findings to next class.
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**Lesson 3: Developing Mixed Media Skills**
*Objective:* Develop skills in combining printmaking with other media.
**Activities:**
1. **Review Homework:**
- Discuss and display research findings about mixed media artworks.
2. **Mixed Media Practical:**
- Students create additional prints or use existing ones.
- Experiment with layering prints with collage materials, paints, and drawing tools.
3. **Individual Project Work:**
- Begin planning a final mixed media project incorporating printmaking and other selected media.
- Sketch ideas and gather materials.
4. **Critique and Reflection:**
- Brief presentations of project ideas and feedback from peers and teacher.
**Homework:**
- Finalise plans and gather any additional materials needed for the final project.
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**Lesson 4: Creating a Final Mixed Media Artwork**
*Objective:* Complete a final mixed media piece incorporating printmaking techniques.
**Activities:**
1. **Final Project Work:**
- Students work on their final mixed media projects.
- Encourage creativity and facilitate the use of various materials and techniques to enhance their artworks.
2. **Individual Support:**
- Teacher provides personalized feedback and support as students work.
3. **Final Displays:**
- Ensure final pieces are ready for display.
- Work on presenting the works (e.g., mounting on boards, framing if applicable).
4. **Critique and Celebration:**
- Class critique session where students present their final artworks.
- Reflect on the entire process and celebrate achievements.
**Homework:**
- Write a reflection on what they learnt throughout the project, challenges faced, and how they overcame them.
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**Assessment:**
- **Formative:** Continuous observation and feedback during practical tasks, group discussions, and project planning.
- **Summative:** Evaluation of the final mixed media artwork based on creativity, technique, and how effectively students integrated printmaking with other media.
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**Teacher's Notes:**
- Adjust pacing based on students' progress.
- Ensure a supportive environment where students feel comfortable experimenting and sharing their work.
- Encourage critical thinking and self-reflection throughout the project.