Celestial Characters

Lesson Plan, Grades 7-8, Language Arts, Social Studies, Crayola

Description

Read and write myths and legends about celestial bodies then portray the personalities of the sun, moon, and stars in Model Magic® sculptures.

Supplies Needed

Crayola Model Magic® Non-Toxic Modeling Dough-Set of 4 Primary Colors 437543
School Smart Multi-Purpose Non-Toxic Washable School Glue- 12 Pack 1354286
School Smart Blunt Tip Scissors 086338
ACCO School Smart Paper Clips-Pack of 100 084473
School Smart Flat Wood Toothpicks-Set of 2500 085950
You May Also Need:
School Smart Junior Rolling Pin-Set of 12 085816
Fishing Line
Plastic Drinking Straws

Standards

LA: Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
LA: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of CONTENT.
LA: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
SS: Describe ways in which language, stories, folktales, music, and artistic creations serve as expressions of culture and influence behavior of people living in a particular culture.
VA: Intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques, and processes to enhance communication of experiences and ideas.
VA: Select and use the qualities of structures and functions of art to improve communication of ideas.
VA: Describe and place a variety of art objects in historical and cultural contexts.

Instructions

1

Students read myths and legends about the sun, moon, and stars from a variety of cultures. Compare each culture's perception of celestial personalities. Choose a Celestial Character to portray in an original sculpture.

2

Mix Crayola Model Magic colors to suit the Celestial Character's personality. For example, blend two primary colors (red, yellow, blue) to make a secondary hue (orange, green, purple). Create tints by adding white. For a marbled effect, blend colors incompletely to make streaks.

3

Shape the compound to create a character's form that can hang from the ceiling. Flatten Model Magic with fingers or a rolling pin, or roll it into balls and coils. Build long, thin shapes around supports such as straws and toothpicks.

4

For details, add small pieces. Or make multicolored "cinnamon roll" shapes for the character's features. Flatten at least two balls of different-colored Model Magic using a rolling pin or dowel. Stack the flattened disks tightly, and roll them up. Use Crayola Scissors to cut 1/4-inch segments. Press firmly to connect all pieces.

5

Embellish the Celestial Character with beads, feathers, or other decorative materials. Add sparkle with Crayola Glitter Glue.

6

While the Model Magic is still damp, embed a paper clip into the top or back of the character. When the sculpture is dry, attach fishing line and hang characters in the sky.