How Will You End Your School Year?

It's that time of the year that I reflect back on curriculum and I look ahead to the future. Although school will be out in less than 8 weeks before you know it'll be back to school time and honestly, adjusting from summer to school is always rough. That's why NOW is the time to plan for next year- while I still have wind in my sails!
I want to replace the 7th grade Manga Unit which takes place the first month of school. I am still trying to wrap my head around exactly what I want to replace it with but I know I want it to change. There are so many techniques to review and mediums to introduce that I feel the first weeks of school should be committed to doing projects that do just that. The examples below are an example of a projects that reviews mediums and technique through an eye study.

Color pencil blending and shading, surreal collage, color wheel blending, chalk pastel and charcoal.

Once students have completed their eye study they would be challenged to create an armature to create a kinetic sculpture in the style of Yaacov Agam. This process requires measurement, precision, organization and focus. Here is an example of what that would look like.

Another project I am IN LOVE with is the Hidden Hand project. This project focuses on patterns in nature and the nature of camouflage. Students would select a pattern in nature to replicate on 12 X 18 paper. They would apply blending techniques to accurately paint the pattern. THEN, they would paint their non dominate hand the same pattern and camouflage it. Check out this example.

Now that I think about it, I think these two project seem better suited for my 8th grade class. So that may mean that 7th grade adopts the Op Art Unit. This may not be a bad pairing at all. The projects with the Op Art Unit reinforce time management and routine which is VERY necessary for the incoming 7th graders when adjusting to a seven period day. The concepts of Op Art also reinforce the elements of art and with a little more complexity can definitely lay the groundwork for the principles of design... By golly, I think I am getting a bit closer!

The other revision I want to make is turning the Lit and Art Unit into a Pop Art Unit for both 7th and 8th grade. This Unit would take place November-December and would result in an exhibit. I have already started brainstorming projects for this unit and have created samples below. I think this unit will pack a punch and keep kids engaged leading into the winter holiday.

Cerealism Collage

Kinetic "Pop Art" Gears

Onomatopoeia Sculpture

I have the rest of the summer to finalize details but I sure would like to end this school year with a solid framework for the next. How will you end your school year?