# 8th Grade Art Lesson Plan: Printmaking and Mixed Media
## Lesson Title
Printmaking and Mixed Media Masterpieces
## Grade Level
8th Grade
## Duration
3 class periods (50 minutes each)
## Learning Objectives
- Understand and apply basic printmaking techniques.
- Explore mixed media as a form of artistic expression.
- Develop skills in composition, layering, and texture.
- Produce an original work of art combining printmaking and mixed media techniques.
## Materials Needed
- Linoleum blocks or soft carving blocks
- Carving tools
- Brayers (ink rollers)
- Block printing ink
- Printing paper (various textures)
- Acrylic paints
- Brushes
- Sponges
- Fabric pieces
- Found objects (leaves, string, etc.)
- Glue and Mod Podge
- Palettes
- Sketchbooks and pencils for planning
- Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
## Standards Addressed
- National Core Arts Standards (NCAS)
- VA:Cr1.1.8a: Collaboratively shape an artistic investigation of an aspect of present-day life using a contemporary practice of art or design.
- VA:Cr2.1.8a: Demonstrate willingness to experiment, innovate, and take risks to pursue ideas, forms, and meanings that emerge in the process of art-making or designing.
- VA:Re7.1.8a: Explain how a person’s aesthetic choices are influenced by culture and environment and impact the visual image that one conveys to others.
## Instructional Procedures
### Day 1: Introduction to Printmaking
1. **Warm-up (5 minutes)**
- Discuss what students already know about printmaking.
- Show examples of famous printmaking artists (e.g. Albrecht Dürer, Hokusai, Henri Matisse).
2. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Explain basic printmaking techniques: linocut, etching, monoprint.
- Demonstrate how to safely use carving tools and brayers.
3. **Activity (30 minutes)**
- Have students sketch their design ideas in their sketchbooks.
- Students transfer their final design onto linoleum or soft carving blocks.
4. **Clean-up and Reflection (5 minutes)**
- Reflect on the day's activities and discuss any challenges or questions students may have.
### Day 2: Printmaking Practice and Mixed Media Exploration
1. **Warm-up (5 minutes)**
- Quick review of safety and techniques for printmaking.
- Show mixed media examples and discuss the use of various textures and materials.
2. **Activity (40 minutes)**
- Carving and printing: Students continue carving their blocks and start making prints on different types of paper.
- Mixed Media Exploration: After initial prints are dry, students start experimenting with acrylic paints, fabric, and found objects. They are encouraged to try different textures and layering techniques.
3. **Clean-up and Reflection (5 minutes)**
- Discuss what they learned from combining prints with other media.
### Day 3: Final Composition and Presentation
1. **Warm-up (5 minutes)**
- Quick recap of techniques learned.
2. **Activity (40 minutes)**
- Students finalize their mixed media pieces using their prints and chosen materials.
- Encourage creativity in composition and use of materials.
- Mod Podge can be used to seal and finish their artworks.
3. **Presentation (20 minutes)**
- Each student presents their finished piece to the class.
- Discuss what they enjoyed, what they found challenging, and what they learned.
## Assessment
- **Formative Assessment**: Observation and feedback during class activities, sketchbook checks.
- **Summative Assessment**: A completed mixed media artwork that demonstrates understanding and application of printmaking and mixed media techniques. Students will also provide a brief artist statement explaining their work.
## Differentiation Strategies
- Provide additional support for students struggling with carving by offering simpler designs or pre-carved blocks.
- Encourage advanced students to experiment with more complex techniques or compositions.
- Provide alternative materials for students with sensory sensitivities.
## Reflection and Follow-Up
- Review student feedback and self-assessment to understand the success of the lesson and areas of improvement.
- Plan a follow-up lesson to explore more advanced printmaking techniques or delve deeper into mixed media art.
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This lesson plan aims to engage 8th-grade students in the creative process of printmaking and mixed media, encouraging both technical skill development and personal artistic expression.