**Lesson Plan: Mixed Media Projects for 4th Grade**
**Title:** Exploring Mixed Media Art
**Grade Level:** 4th Grade
**Subject:** Art
**Duration:** 1 to 1.5 hours
**Objectives:**
- Students will learn about mixed media art and its components.
- Students will experiment with different materials and techniques.
- Students will create their own mixed media artwork.
- Students will reflect on their creative process and final product.
**Materials:**
- Paper or canvas boards (8x10 inches or larger)
- Colored paper scraps
- Magazines for collage
- Glue sticks and liquid glue
- Scissors
- Acrylic paints, watercolors, and temperas
- Brushes, sponges, and other painting tools
- Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
- Fabric scraps, ribbons, yarn, buttons, and other small objects
- Palette or plates for mixing paint
- Aprons or old shirts
**Preparation:**
- Set up the workspace with all materials easily accessible.
- Prepare examples of mixed media art for inspiration.
- Ensure there is enough space for students to move around and work comfortably.
**Procedure:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes):**
- Begin by discussing what mixed media art is. Explain that mixed media involves combining different artistic materials and techniques in a single artwork.
- Show examples of mixed media art. Point out the different materials and techniques used in each piece.
2. **Demonstration (15 minutes):**
- Demonstrate how to start a mixed media project. Show basic techniques like layering paint and paper, creating textures with different materials, and integrating found objects.
- Emphasize creativity and experimentation. There are no right or wrong ways to create mixed media art.
3. **Planning Phase (10 minutes):**
- Distribute paper or canvas to each student.
- Ask students to spend a few minutes sketching or planning their mixed media artwork. Encourage them to think about the materials they want to use and how they can combine them.
4. **Creation Phase (40 to 60 minutes):**
- Allow students to start their mixed media projects. Remind them to incorporate various materials and techniques.
- Circulate the room to provide guidance and assistance as needed. Encourage students to explore and be creative.
5. **Clean-up (10 minutes):**
- Instruct students to clean up their workspaces and put away materials.
- Provide a place for artworks to dry, if necessary.
6. **Reflection and Sharing (15 minutes):**
- Gather students for a brief sharing session. Ask volunteers to show their artwork and explain the materials and techniques they used.
- Encourage positive feedback and discussion about the creative process.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in discussions and planning phases.
- Engagement and effort during the creation process.
- Final mixed media artwork demonstrating use of multiple materials and techniques.
- Contribution to the reflection and sharing session.
**Extensions:**
- Create a mixed media art gallery in the classroom or school hallway.
- Write a short paragraph describing their artwork and the process they used.
- Research and present on a famous mixed media artist.
**Home Connection:**
- Encourage students to try a mixed media project at home using materials found around the house.
- Suggest a family art night where students can teach their family members what they learned about mixed media art.
**Common Core Standards:**
- Visual Arts: Grade 4 - Creating: Anchor Standard 2 - Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
- Visual Arts: Grade 4 - Creating: Anchor Standard 1 - Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
**Note:** Adapt the lesson plan as needed based on the specific needs and abilities of the students.