Middle School Art 1

Six-Week Period Lesson Plan

Judson STEAM Academy | Longview, Texas

Grade Levels: 6-8 | Academic Year: 2025-2026

Texas TEKS Aligned: §117.202 Art, Middle School 1

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Texas TEKS Art, Middle School 1 (§117.202)

Four foundational strands provide the structure for art education, each of equal value and integrated throughout the curriculum.

1

Foundations: Observation and Perception

Students develop visual literacy skills using:
  • Critical thinking and imagination
  • Sensory observation and exploration
  • Elements of art and principles of design
  • Personal experiences and community connections

Key Elements: Line, Shape, Color, Texture, Form, Space, Value

Key Principles: Emphasis, Repetition/Pattern, Movement/Rhythm, Contrast/Variety, Balance, Proportion, Unity

Portfolio Components:
  • Observational drawings
  • Element and principle studies
  • Vocabulary development exercises
2

Creative Expression

Students communicate ideas through:
  • Original artworks using various media
  • Art-making processes and problem-solving
  • Multiple artistic techniques and skills
  • Reflective thinking and disciplined effort

Media Explored: Drawings, Paintings, Prints, Sculptures, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Digital Art, Photography

Portfolio Components:
  • Original artworks in multiple media
  • Process documentation
  • Artist statement reflections
3

Historical and Cultural Relevance

Students develop global awareness through:
  • Analysis of artistic styles and periods
  • Understanding diverse cultural traditions
  • Connections between art and society
  • Career exploration in art fields

Focus Areas: Universal themes, Cultural narratives, Art and architecture relationships, Career opportunities

Portfolio Components:
  • Cultural art studies
  • Historical timeline projects
  • Career research presentations
4

Critical Evaluation and Response

Students develop analytical skills through:
  • Written and oral responses to artwork
  • Critique methods and evaluation
  • Portfolio development and reflection
  • Museum and gallery exploration

Key Skills: Art vocabulary usage, Critique methodology, Interpretation, Evaluation, Exhibition etiquette

Portfolio Components:
  • Artwork critiques and responses
  • Reflection journals
  • Museum visit documentation

STEAM Integration at Judson STEAM Academy

Art serves as the bridge connecting all STEAM disciplines, fostering creativity, innovation, and critical thinking essential for 21st-century learners.

Science + Art

Color theory, light physics, material properties, biological forms in nature drawing

Technology + Art

Digital art creation, 3D modeling, virtual exhibitions, photography techniques

Engineering + Art

Sculpture construction, architectural design, problem-solving through art projects

Mathematics + Art

Geometric patterns, proportion and scale, perspective drawing, symmetry studies

Six-Week Period Academic Calendar

Structured learning progression integrating all four TEKS strands throughout the school year

1st Six-Week Period: Foundation Building

Weeks 1-6 | August - September | Focus: Elements of Art & Basic Skills

Primary TEKS Emphasis:
Observation & Perception Elements of Art Drawing Fundamentals
Learning Goals:
  • Master fundamental drawing techniques and tool usage
  • Understand and apply all elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, form, space, value)
  • Develop observation skills through direct drawing exercises
  • Build foundational art vocabulary and terminology
  • Establish portfolio organization and reflection habits
Major Assessment

Elements Portfolio Check

Demonstrate mastery of all seven elements of art

Week 1

Introduction & Expectations

Setup
Week 2

Line Studies & Contour Drawing

Drawing
Week 3

Shape & Form Exploration

Drawing
Week 4

Color Theory & Color Wheel

Color
Week 5

Texture Studies & Value

Mixed Media
Week 6

Space & Assessment Review

Assessment

2nd Six-Week Period: Principles & Techniques

Weeks 7-12 | October - November | Focus: Principles of Design & Media Exploration

Key Focus: Design principles, painting techniques, printmaking introduction
Assessment: Design Principles Project (Week 12)

3rd Six-Week Period: Digital & 3D Exploration

Weeks 13-18 | December - January | Focus: Technology Integration & Sculpture

Key Focus: Digital art, photography, clay modeling, 3D design
Assessment: 3D Design Project (Week 18)

4th Six-Week Period: Cultural Exploration

Weeks 19-24 | February - March | Focus: Global Art Traditions & History

Key Focus: Cultural art studies, historical analysis, global perspectives
Assessment: Cultural Research Project (Week 24)

5th Six-Week Period: Advanced Techniques

Weeks 25-30 | April - May | Focus: Skill Refinement & Personal Style

Key Focus: Advanced methods, personal style development, technique mastery
Assessment: Advanced Technique Showcase (Week 30)

6th Six-Week Period: Portfolio & Exhibition

Weeks 31-36 | May - June | Focus: Critical Analysis, Portfolio Completion & Exhibition

Key Focus: Portfolio completion, critique skills, final exhibition
Assessment: Complete Portfolio & Exhibition (Week 35)

Assessment Calendar Overview

1st Six-Week

Elements Portfolio Check

Week 6
2nd Six-Week

Design Principles Project

Week 12
3rd Six-Week

3D Design Project

Week 18
4th Six-Week

Cultural Research Project

Week 24
5th Six-Week

Advanced Technique Showcase

Week 30
6th Six-Week

Final Portfolio & Exhibition

Week 35

Project Resources & Navigation

Unit Plans

Detailed lesson plans for each six-week period

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Assessments

Rubrics and evaluation tools

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Resources

Materials, links, and references

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