### Lesson Plan for 9th Grade Art Class
#### Topic: Principles of Design
---
**Objective:**
Students will understand and apply the principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity) in their artwork.
**Materials:**
- Sketchbooks
- Pencils
- Erasers
- Rulers
- Variety of markers, colored pencils, and paints
- Various objects for still life
- Examples of famous artworks demonstrating principles of design (prints or digital images)
- Projector or smartboard
**Duration:**
2 class periods (90 minutes each)
**Day 1: Introduction and Exploration (90 minutes)**
1. **Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes):**
- Begin with a quick sketch assignment in sketchbooks. Ask students to sketch a simple still life (e.g., a fruit bowl) focusing on just getting the forms down quickly.
2. **Introduction to Principles of Design (20 minutes):**
- Use a projector or smartboard to present a slideshow on the seven principles of design:
1. Balance
2. Contrast
3. Emphasis
4. Movement
5. Pattern
6. Rhythm
7. Unity
- Provide definitions and visual examples of each principle.
- Ensure to show various artworks that clearly illustrate each principle. Highlight how famous artists use these principles effectively.
3. **Group Activity: Analyzing Art (30 minutes):**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with prints of different artworks.
- Ask each group to identify and discuss which principles of design are evident in the artworks they have. Have them jot down their observations and be prepared to share with the class.
4. **Group Presentations (20 minutes):**
- Each group presents their findings.
- Encourage other students to ask questions and add observations.
5. **Individual Assignment: Sketching (10 minutes)**:
- Students should choose one principle of design and create a quick sketch that demonstrates their understanding of it.
**Homework:**
- Ask students to bring items from home that they find visually interesting for a still life setup for tomorrow's activity.
---
**Day 2: Application and Creation (90 minutes)**
1. **Review and Warm-Up (10 minutes):**
- Quick review of the seven principles of design.
- Warm-up drawing exercise related to one of the principles discussed.
2. **Still Life Setup and Explanation (15 minutes):**
- Arrange the objects brought from home in an interesting still life arrangement.
- Discuss with students how they can incorporate the principles of design into their still life drawing.
3. **Guided Drawing Session (30 minutes):**
- Give students time to draw the still life, focusing on applying at least three principles of design.
- Walk around the room providing guidance and feedback.
- Encourage students to think about composition as they work.
4. **Peer Critique (15 minutes):**
- Pair up students to discuss each other’s artwork.
- Students should provide constructive feedback on how well the principles of design were applied.
5. **Refinement and Final Touches (15 minutes):**
- Allow students to make final adjustments to their drawings based on peer feedback.
- Incorporate any additional details using markers, colored pencils, or paints.
6. **Gallery Walk (5 minutes):**
- Display all student artwork around the classroom.
- Have students walk around to view the work of their peers, noting how different principles were applied.
**Closure:**
- Discuss as a class how the principles of design can enhance their artworks.
- Reflect on which principles students found easiest or most challenging to apply and why.
**Assessment:**
- Evaluate students based on their participation in discussions, group work, and their final still life drawings.
- Consider how effectively they applied the principles of design in their artwork.
---
**Encouragement and Extension:**
- Encourage students to use the principles of design in future projects.
- Suggest keeping a sketchbook dedicated to experimenting with different principles.
**Note:**
Adjust timing as needed based on the pace of the class and ensure to maintain a supportive environment that encourages creative exploration and respectful critique.