Introduction
Grade: 5th
Time Frame: 2 hours
Task
Purpose: To explore concepts of the elements of art and principles of design by analyzing existing artworks and identifying these elements and principles.
Objectives/Goals: In this WebQuest, the students will explore the elements of art and principles by analyzing existing artworks. Through this process, they will identify and understand how artists use these elements and principles to create meaningful and visually appealing works of art. By the end of this WebQuest, they will be able to explain and identify these concepts in both famous and contemporary works.
Process
Steps:
- Watching the Video: The students will begin by watching an introductory video about the elements of art and principles of design. It will explain the basic ideas behind these concepts.
- Read the Definitions: After watching the video, the students will look up the definitions on the elements and principles on a Quizlet page.
- Take Notes: The students will then write down the definitions for each element and principle in their notebook.
- Explore the Artworks Gallery: They will be given links to an online gallery that showcases a variety of famous and contemporary artworks. These might include paintings, sculptures, and digital art.
- Select an Artwork to Analyze: They will choose one artwork that interests them.
- Identify the Elements of Art: Using the handout as a guide, they will examine the artwork and identify as many elements of art as they can.
- Analyze the Principles of Design: Next, they will focus on how the artist used the principles of design in the artwork.
- Write a Description: In their journal, they will write a detailed description of the elements you identified in the artwork. Including why they think the artist chose these elements.
- Create Your Own Artwork: Using the materials they have at home (paper, pencils, crayons, markers, or digital tools), they will create a drawing, painting, or design.
- Incorporate the Concepts: They will need to make sure to incorporate the elements of art and principles of design they have learned. They need to try to use at least five different elements and three different principles in their piece.
- Write an Artist Statement: They will write a short artist statement. In this statement, they must describe how they used the elements and principles in their artwork and explain their choices. They would also mention the inspiration behind their piece.
- Share Your Work: They will present their analysis and their own artwork to the class.
- Reflect: They will write a short reflection in their notebook about:
- Which element or principle was easiest for them to recognize in the artwork?
- Which was the most challenging?
- How did creating their own artwork help them better understand these concepts?
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search
Elements of Art & Principles of Design Flashcards | Quizlet
Evaluation
I will assess the assignment to assess their creativity, understanding, and application of the elements of art and principles of design in their artwork, as well as their reflection and artist statement.
Create Your Own Artwork The artwork is highly creative and shows strong effort. It clearly uses at least 5 elements of art and 3 principles of design in a thoughtful and effective way. The artwork is creative and uses at least 5 elements of art and 3 principles of design but may not be as effectively integrated. The artwork uses fewer than 5 elements of art or 3 principles of design, and the application is weak or unclear. The artwork does not use 5 elements of art and 3 principles of design, or the concepts are not recognizable in the piece. /25
Artist Statement The statement is clear, thoughtful, and fully explains how the elements and principles were used. The inspiration is well described and connected to the artwork. The statement explains most of the elements and principles used, and mentions the inspiration, but lacks some depth or clarity. The statement provides limited explanation of the elements and principles used, and the inspiration is not fully explained. The statement is incomplete, unclear, or does not explain the elements, principles, or inspiration. /20
Presentation of Artwork The artwork is presented clearly and confidently. The student effectively explains the elements, principles, and the choices made in their work. The student presents their artwork well but may lack some clarity or confidence in explaining their artistic choices. The presentation is unclear, and the student struggles to explain their choices or the use of elements and principles. The student is unable to present the artwork effectively or provide explanations for their choices. /15
Reflection The reflection is thoughtful and provides specific insights on which element or principle was easiest to recognize, which was most challenging, and how the artwork helped deepen understanding. The reflection addresses all required points but may lack specific details or clarity in explaining the challenges and insights. The reflection addresses the required points but is vague or incomplete. Some insights or challenges are missing or unclear. The reflection is missing key points or does not adequately explain the challenges, insights, or understanding. /15
Effort and Neatness The artwork shows a high level of effort and is completed neatly and thoughtfully, with attention to detail. The artwork shows good effort, with neatness and attention to detail, but may have minor issues. The artwork shows some effort but lacks neatness or detail. Some areas of the artwork are incomplete or rushed. The artwork shows minimal effort, is incomplete, or lacks neatness. /10
Adherence to Assignment The student has fully followed all assignment instructions, using the correct number of elements and principles, and submitting all required components. The student has followed most instructions but may have missed one component or didn't fully meet the requirements. The student partially followed the instructions, missing some important components or using fewer elements or principles. The student did not follow the assignment instructions or missed several key components. /15
I will grade according to: Creativity using the five elements and three principles, the artist statement and how clear it is, how the artwork is presented to the class, how thoughtful the reflection is, effort and neatness, and how well the assignment’s instructions were followed.
What does your grade scale look like?
Total Points: /100
Grade Breakdown:
A (Excellent): 90 - 100 points
B (Good): 80 – 89 points
C (Satisfactory): 70 – 79 points
D (Needs Improvement): 50 – 69 points
F (Failing): Below 50 points
Conclusion
The video helps the students understand the foundational vocabulary and concepts they will be working with during the WebQuest. It sets a solid framework for the more interactive tasks to come.
The handout serves as a reference tool throughout the lesson. It reinforces the information presented in the video and gives students something tangible to refer to as they explore art further.
Analyzing existing artworks helps students see how the elements of art and principles of design are used in practice. This strengthens their ability to recognize these concepts and understand their purpose in creating art.
Creating their own artwork allows students to apply the knowledge they've gained about the elements of art and principles of design in a personal, hands-on way.
Writing an artist statement helps students articulate their thought process and connect their creative choices to the concepts they’ve learned. It also helps develop their communication skills and deepens their reflection on their own work.
Presenting their work allows students to practice public speaking and share their creative process with others. It also helps reinforce their understanding as they explain their choices and describe the elements and principles in their work.
Reflection helps students internalize their learning by thinking about their strengths, challenges, and how the process helped deepen their understanding. It encourages self-assessment and critical thinking.