Caterpillar Sculptures

Lesson Plan, Grades K-6, Art, Science, Language Arts, Sax

Description

Eric Carle uses cut papers to create his own artwork illustrations within the pages of his books. This project gives children the ability to make their work leap from the page in this series of two projects based on this author/illustrator (please see also the lesson plan for Eric Carle Inspired Series "Beautiful Butterfly"). These three dimensional projects give a tangible sense to this timeless children's story.

Objectives

Teachers and or students will read and research the work of Eric Carle to observe the use of the colors within his artwork and the concept in the story.

Students will learn and experience the process layering and modeling of colors using Amaco® Cloud Clay® and Smartfab®.

Supplies Needed

smart-fab® Fabric Rolls, 48" x 40' - Apple Green
Crayola Model Magic - Green, 4 oz.
Crayola Model Magic - Red, 4 oz.
Crayola Model Magic - White, 4 oz.
Crayola Model Magic - Blue, 4 oz.
Crayola Model Magic - Assorted Colors Classroom Pack
Chenille Stems - Assorted Colors, 12", Pack of 100
Amaco® Rice Paste, 8 oz.
Additional Materials
Container for mixing Amaco® Rice Paste
Water bottle (12 oz.)
Masking Tape
Newspaper
White Glue

Standards

CONTENT Standard #1:
Understanding and applying media, techniques and processes.
CONTENT Standard #2:
Using knowledge of structures and functions.
CONTENT Standard #6:
Making connections between visual art and other disciplines.

Instructions

1

Launder the Smartfab® with regular detergent and cold water. DO NOT place in the dryer. It will dry quickly on its own.

2

Wrap neck and cap of water bottle with crumpled newspaper and masking tape to create a semirounded shape. Repeat process with the bottom of the bottle.

3

Mix Amaco® Rice Paste according to package directions.

4

Cut Smartfab® into strips approximately 2" x 12".

5

Submerge Smartfab® into Amaco® Rice Paste.

6

Pulling out one strip at a time wrap entire water bottle in "mummy" fashion.

7

Allow it to dry completely for several days.

8

Having observed the images and colors in Eric Carle's work, the students can now use the Amaco® Cloud Clay® to create the various colors and textures along the body of the caterpillar. Amaco® Cloud Clay® stretches into lovely strands of varying thickness that can wrap around the body to enhance its visual and actual texture.

9

To create the head, make a pancake shape in the palm of your hand and form it over the end of the bottle. Amaco® Cloud Clay® has wonderful adhesive properties to it and no glue will be necessary.