Week 3: Shape & Form Exploration

Week Overview

Essential Question:

"How do 2D shapes and 3D forms work together to create the visual world around us?"

Learning Objectives:

Distinguish between 2D shapes and 3D forms
Identify geometric and organic shapes in art and nature
Create accurate proportional shape relationships
Apply basic shading techniques to show form and dimension
Compose artwork using varied shapes and forms effectively

TEKS Alignment

(b)(1)(A) Develop visual literacy through critical thinking
(b)(1)(B) Use sensory knowledge and life experiences
(b)(1)(C) Identify elements of art including shape and form
(b)(1)(D) Use appropriate vocabulary

STEAM Integration

Science: Molecular structures and crystal formations
Technology: 3D modeling and computer graphics
Engineering: Structural design and architecture
Mathematics: Geometry, area, volume calculations

Materials Needed

Drawing pencils (2H, HB, 2B, 4B)
Erasers (kneaded and vinyl)
Drawing paper (9x12 inches)
Blending stumps and tortillons
Geometric templates/rulers
3D geometric solids (optional)
Natural objects (rocks, shells, fruit)
White objects for shading practice

Assessment Focus

Portfolio Component: Shape & Form Studies

Students will create 5 drawings demonstrating understanding of 2D/3D relationships and basic shading.

Daily Lesson Plans

Monday: 2D Shape Identification & Creation

Objective: Identify and accurately draw basic geometric and organic shapes

Opening (10 minutes)

Shape Hunt: Identify shapes in classroom objects
Vocabulary: Shape, geometric, organic, 2D, flat, area
Question: "What's the difference between a circle and a sphere?"

Instruction (15 minutes)

Basic Shapes: Circle, square, triangle, rectangle, oval, diamond
Geometric vs. Organic: Man-made vs. nature-inspired shapes
Demonstration: Drawing accurate geometric shapes freehand

Practice Activity (20 minutes)

Shape Grid: Create organized chart of basic geometric shapes
Organic Studies: Draw natural shapes from leaves and clouds
Proportion Practice: Vary sizes while maintaining shape integrity

Closure (5 minutes)

Shape Challenge: Quick gesture drawings of complex shapes
Preview: Tomorrow's 3D form introduction
Cleanup: Organize shape studies in portfolios

STEAM Connection

Mathematics: Calculate area of different geometric shapes. Explore how shapes tessellate and create patterns in mathematical and architectural design.

Tuesday - Friday: 3D Forms & Shading

Progressive development of form understanding and shading techniques

Tuesday: Introduction to 3D Forms

Distinguish 2D shapes from 3D forms
Identify sphere, cube, cylinder, cone, pyramid
Practice drawing basic forms with construction lines
STEAM: Explore molecular structures in chemistry

Wednesday: Organic vs. Geometric

Compare natural vs. manufactured forms
Draw organic objects (fruits, vegetables, natural forms)
Create geometric still life arrangements
STEAM: Study crystalline structures in geology

Thursday: Basic Shading for Form

Understand light source, highlights, shadows
Practice value scales and gradation
Apply shading to simple geometric forms
STEAM: Physics of light and shadow behavior

Friday: Shape/Form Composition

Arrange multiple shapes for visual interest
Combine 2D and 3D elements effectively
Create finished composition with shading
STEAM: Architectural design principles

Portfolio Assessment

Geometric Shape Chart (Monday)
3D Form Construction Drawings (Tuesday)
Organic vs. Geometric Studies (Wednesday)
Shaded Form Practice (Thursday)
Final Shape/Form Composition (Friday)

Differentiation

Advanced: Complex overlapping forms, atmospheric perspective
Support: Templates for geometric shapes, extended practice time
ELL: Visual shape/form vocabulary cards with examples

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Course Overview

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