Bayou Bugs

Lesson Plan, Grades 3-5, Math, Art, Science, History, 3-D

Description

Lesson Plan and Artwork by Phyllis M Annett

Students will create colorful insects in a 3-D form using Crayola Model Magic. The inspiration for the student creations will be insects and their habitats found in their home States.

Objectives

Students will study insects indigenous to their own states.

Students will become familiar with the parts of insect bodies and will be able to draw basic insect shapes.

Students will recognize that symmetry in nature plays a part in the design of insects.

Students will understand that colors of insects play a part in their survival in nature.

Student will learn to use an armature to create a 3 Dimensional form.

Students will study, and then create a habit for their insects to sit on.

Supplies Needed

Crayola® Model Magic Non-Toxic Dough Shimmer Set, 5 oz, Assorted Color (Kit includes 2)
Crayola® Lightweight Model Magic Special FX, 2 lb, Assorted Colors
Crayola® Model Magic Double Pack Glitter Glaze, 1 oz Bottle, Gold/Metallic (Kit includes 2)
Crayola® Model Magic Double Pack Glitter Glaze, 1 oz Bottle, Silver/Metallic (Kit includes 2)
Crayola® Model Magic Non-Toxic Modeling Dough Classpack 1 oz Packet, Color, Pack of 75
Crayola® Non-Toxic Washable No Run School Glue, 4 oz Squeeze Bottle, White (Kit includes 4)
Crayola® Non-Toxic Washable Glue Stick with Pedestal Base and Snap-On Cap, 0.29 oz, Dries Clear, Pack of 12 (Kit includes 2 packs)
Crayola® Round Synthetic Paint Brush Set, Assorted Size, Assorted Color, Set of 5 (Kit includes 4 sets)
Crayola® Non-Toxic Metallic Marker Set, Assorted Colors, Set of 8 (Kit includes 3 sets)
Gessoed Masonite Panel, 11" x 14" (Kit includes 24)
Artist’s Tool Kit, Pack of 5 (Kit includes 3 packs)
Creativity Street® Junior Rolling Pin Set, 7 in, Wood, Set of 12
Styrofoam Balls , 4", Pack of 12 (Kit includes 2 packs)
Twisteez Colored Plastic-Coated Wire, 30" Strands, Pack of 50
Floracraft Foam Cutting Tools
*Here are the supplies needed for this lesson plan for reference. Find a convenient carousel of shoppable products for this lesson below.

Standards

Standard #1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
Standard #2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
Standard #8: Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Standard #10: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Instructions

1

Have students research insects and their habitats found in their home state. In this instance, the Bayou Bugs are reminiscent of the insects found in the bayous of Louisiana.

2

Discuss and have students sketch a bug to show the various body parts of an insect, such as the head, body, wings and legs etc.

3

Discuss how colors and patterns found on insects help the creatures to survive in the wild.

4

Inform the students that they need to use symmetry in their color schemes and patterns of the shapes that they create on the insects’ body. Give the symmetry example of how a butterfly’s wings are a mirror image of one another. Have students add color and pattern to their sketches for potential insect designs.

5

Using half of a styrofoam ball as the armature for the insect’s body, have students cover the half spheres with sheets of Crayola Model Magic. When rolling out the Model Magic make sure the sheets are thick enough to not fall apart.

6

They will also form wings and heads, as well as legs and eyes, all from the Model Magic product by using cutting, rolling, marbleizing and scoring techniques. Tools can help in making indented designs on the sheets and also for cutting of the same.

7

Once the insects are formed, wire can be added for antenna and metallic markers can be used to enhance their insects for more pattern and design.

8

To start the insect habitat, discuss where the various insects live, what they eat, what kind of vegetation and terrain is found near them. Have students cover a board with Crayola Model Magic product to create plants and twigs and streams etc. which will make up a habitat for the insects. Glue sticks can be used to attach the Model Magic sheets to the board surface. In general, the Model Magic will stick to itself and to the boards without out any glue. Use the metallic markers to enhance the habitat surfaces.