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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TEKS Strands

Explore the four foundational strands of Texas art education standards.

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Six-Week Periods

Detailed breakdown of lessons and activities for each grading period.

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STEAM Integration

Connecting art with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

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Assessments

Rubrics, portfolio guidelines, and evaluation tools for student progress.

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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

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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

Primary TEKS Emphasis:
Principles of Design Creative Expression Media Techniques
Learning Goals:
  • Understand and apply principles of design in artwork
  • Explore painting techniques (watercolor, tempera, acrylic basics)
  • Create compositions using emphasis, balance, and contrast
  • Introduction to printmaking and relief methods
  • Begin personal artistic style development
Major Assessment

Design Principles Project

Multi-media artwork demonstrating composition skills

Week 7

Emphasis & Focal Points

Design
Week 8

Balance & Proportion

Design
Week 9

Rhythm & Movement

Design
Week 10

Painting Techniques

Painting
Week 11

Printmaking Introduction

Prints
Week 12

Portfolio Review & Reflection

Assessment

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

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

Primary TEKS Emphasis:
Creative Expression STEAM Integration Digital Media
Learning Goals:
  • Introduction to digital art tools and photography
  • Basic 3D design concepts and clay modeling
  • Understanding form, space, and sculptural techniques
  • Technology integration in art creation
  • Holiday-themed creative projects
Major Assessment

3D Design Project

Sculpture or ceramic piece with digital documentation

Week 13

Digital Art Introduction

Technology
Week 14

Photography Basics

Digital
Week 15

Clay & Ceramics Introduction

Sculpture
Week 16

3D Design & Construction

Sculpture
Week 17

Holiday Creative Projects

Creative
Week 18

Mid-Year Portfolio Review

Assessment

4th Six-Week Period: Cultural Exploration

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

Primary TEKS Emphasis:
Historical & Cultural Relevance Global Perspectives Cultural Art Forms
Learning Goals:
  • Study diverse cultural art traditions and techniques
  • Understand historical influences on artistic movements
  • Create art inspired by different global cultures
  • Analyze connections between art and society
  • Explore universal themes across cultures
Major Assessment

Cultural Art Research Project

Research presentation with inspired artwork

Week 19

Ancient Civilizations Art

History
Week 20

Asian Art Traditions

Global
Week 21

African Art & Patterns

Culture
Week 22

Native American Art

Heritage
Week 23

Mexican Folk Art

Culture
Week 24

Cultural Project Presentations

Assessment

5th Six-Week Period: Advanced Techniques

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

Primary TEKS Emphasis:
Creative Expression Advanced Techniques Personal Style
Learning Goals:
  • Refine technical skills in chosen media
  • Develop personal artistic voice and style
  • Create more complex, sophisticated artworks
  • Practice advanced composition and design concepts
  • Begin planning final portfolio pieces
Major Assessment

Advanced Technique Showcase

Demonstrate mastery in preferred medium

Week 25

Advanced Drawing Techniques

Drawing
Week 26

Advanced Painting Methods

Painting
Week 27

Mixed Media Exploration

Mixed Media
Week 28

Personal Style Development

Style
Week 29

Final Project Planning

Planning
Week 30

Technique Assessment

Assessment

6th Six-Week Period: Portfolio & Exhibition

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

Primary TEKS Emphasis:
Critical Evaluation & Response Portfolio Development Exhibition Skills
Learning Goals:
  • Develop critique and analysis skills
  • Complete comprehensive portfolio with artist statements
  • Plan and execute final art exhibition
  • Reflect on artistic growth and learning journey
  • Demonstrate proper exhibition etiquette
Final Assessment

Complete Portfolio & Exhibition

Comprehensive portfolio with public exhibition

Week 31

Critique Methods & Analysis

Analysis
Week 32

Portfolio Organization

Portfolio
Week 33

Artist Statements & Reflection

Writing
Week 34

Exhibition Preparation

Display
Week 35

Art Show & Presentations

Exhibition
Week 36

Reflection & Goal Setting

Closure

Adolescent Learning Theory Integration

Research-based approaches tailored for middle school students (ages 11-14)

Social Learning

Collaborative projects, peer critiques, and group exhibitions foster social development and communication skills essential for adolescents.

Cognitive Development

Abstract thinking challenges through symbolism, metaphor, and conceptual art projects that match developing cognitive abilities.

Identity Formation

Personal expression through art supports identity development while building confidence and self-awareness during adolescence.

Key Strategies for Middle School Success:
  • Choice & Autonomy: Multiple project options and self-directed exploration
  • Relevance: Connections to student interests and contemporary culture
  • Scaffolding: Progressive skill building with clear support structures
  • Peer Interaction: Collaborative learning and shared critique experiences
  • Real-world Connections: Community partnerships and career exploration
Assessment Adaptations:
  • Formative Focus: Regular check-ins and progress monitoring
  • Multiple Formats: Visual, written, and oral assessment options
  • Self-Assessment: Reflection journals and goal-setting activities
  • Growth Mindset: Emphasis on improvement over perfection
  • Portfolio Process: Documentation of artistic journey and development

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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Archive

Previous versions and history

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