You are an architect!

This WebQuest was designed for me to use with my 7th Grade art classes. I teach in a school that meets with the art classes all school year. I meet with the students twice a week in a six day cycle. Each class meeting is 45 minutes long.

Architecture is included in my school system's Visual Arts curriculum. It was one of my professional goals this year to learn more about architecture and ways that I can implement it into the classroom. In the past I have created image packets about the American architectural styles. These packets will still be available to my students, as well as having them complete the WebQuest for more information.

I have not used this WebQuest yet with my class. I am thinking that it will take the students about four class periods to complete the WebQuest. My school has a computer lab that I will bring my classes to for the four class periods. Students will complete the work in class. I do not assign them art homework.

As an extension lesson, I am planning on having my students complete one of the two assignments listed here.

One assignment is a collograph print. The students will use their facade sketches to create a collage plate using oak tag and fabric. The students will build layers with texture to create a printing plate. The printing plate of their architectural design will then be printed. The students will print a series of their image on different colored papers using different colored inks.

The second assignment is a slab relief with clay. The students will use their facade sketches to create an architectural relief. The students will build with clay using the slab technique. They will use the score and slip technique to add attachments. They will also carve details on to the clay that represent the architecture features from their style. After the clay piece is completed, it will be fired and then the students will glaze the ceramic piece.

 

This WebQuest is designed so that many extension lessons may come from it. I encourage other art teachers to use this quest if they would like, and to share with me their extensions. This quest may also be used with a Social Studies curriculum that relates to American architecture with adaptations.