# Lesson Plan: Introduction to Digital Art and Design
## Grade Level: 7th Grade
### Subject: Art
#### Duration: 90 minutes (1 class period)
### Objective:
- Students will understand the basics of digital art and design.
- Students will explore and create their own digital artwork using an introductory design software.
- Students will learn key digital tools and design principles.
### Materials Needed:
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Digital art software (e.g., Pixlr, Adobe Spark, GIMP, or any free online design tools)
- Projector & Screen
- Stylus pens (optional)
- Sketchbooks and pencils
- Printer (optional)
### Standards Addressed:
- [CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.5](http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/CCRA/SL/5/): Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
### Lesson Outline:
1. **Introduction (15 minutes)**
- **Hook Activity**: Display an engaging digital artwork and ask students what they notice about it. Discuss what makes the artwork compelling.
- **Discussion**: Introduce the concept of digital art and design. Explain how it integrates technology with artistic creativity.
- **Objectives**: Share the objectives of today's lesson with the students.
2. **Instruction (20 minutes)**
- **Presentation**: Show a short presentation on the evolution of digital art, key artists, and notable works.
- **Demonstration**: Introduce the digital art software (e.g., Pixlr) and demonstrate basic functions such as layering, brush tools, color selection, and adding text.
3. **Guided Practice (20 minutes)**
- **Step-by-Step Activity**: Walk students through creating a simple digital artwork, starting with a background, adding shapes, and incorporating text.
- **Interactive Q&A**: Encourage students to ask questions and try out the tools during the demonstration. Offer immediate feedback.
4. **Independent Practice (25 minutes)**
- **Project Creation**: Students will create their own digital artwork based on a given theme (e.g., "Self-Portrait in Digital Form" or "My Fantasy Landscape").
- **Teacher Support**: Circulate the room, providing individualized assistance as needed.
5. **Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes)**
- **Gallery Walk**: Allow students to save and display their artwork. If possible, print some examples to showcase on the classroom wall.
- **Reflection Discussion**: Gather students and discuss what they learned. Ask questions such as:
- What did you enjoy about creating digital art?
- What challenges did you encounter?
- How does digital art compare to traditional art?
6. **Closing (5 minutes)**
- **Recap**: Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
- **Assignment**: Encourage students to practice using the software at home or offer a small project to be completed by the next art class.
### Assessment:
- Observe students' participation and engagement during the guided practice and independent work.
- Evaluate the completed digital artworks based on creativity, use of tools, and effort.
- Assess students' ability to articulate what they learned during the reflection discussion.
### Additional Notes:
- Ensure all students have access to the necessary technology and software.
- Modify the lesson plan to accommodate different learners’ paces and proficiencies.
- Encourage students to explore further digital art resources and tutorials online for continued learning.