Lesson Plan for Year 8 - Art - Printmaking and Mixed Media

**Lesson Plan: Printmaking and Mixed Media** **Class:** Year 8 **Subject:** Art **Topic:** Printmaking and Mixed Media **Duration:** 2 weeks (4 lessons, 1 hour each) --- **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. --- **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 --- **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). --- **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. --- **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. --- **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. --- **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. --- **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.