8th Grade Post-it Note Challenge

Let's face it. Keeping students engaged on the last 2 days before break can be tricky. I did not want to start a new project that would need to be carried over after break. I also didn't want to add busy work to simply "Fill in" the days. I wanted to use that short window of time to inspire and engage students with something worthwhile and meaningful. I also wanted whatever we created to be a part of the Pop Art Exhibit. Sooo, I took a chance and went for a project that I had been eyeing ever since I saw the Middle School move: Post-It Note murals.

This project took 2 45 minute periods. The result yielded in 16- 3' X 3' murals that will hang in the exhibit. The Post-it notes were the expense- but one extension the students can take on is how we can repurpose them once the exhibit comes down- I have ideas on that, too. 2 4-packs of each color was all we needed. Yellow was the most popular color with red coming in second. If you are going to try this invest in the super sticky kind as they will have longevity in their "stick".

This project was just what we needed- and I don;t think I would add any more time to it. However, I there are ways to make the most out of the time now that I have been through the process and have seen the progression of the designs. I encourage you to try this project! So much problem solving an collaboration went into each design. Check them out!

8th Grade CAKE!

Note to Self: Back Away From The Frosting!

This year I came up with a SUPER SIMPLE frosting plan that made frosting prep a breeze. And if you are anything like me- you'd agree that frosting is THE BEST thing about Cake! However, this year I could have spent more time into developing a greater understanding for overall cake presentation once the cakes were frosted.

As a result, I think the cakes look like a Frosting Fiesta- which is fine. The kids had fun and really love their cakes. Next year I will spend another day refining their collaged layers, constructing their cake toppings and going into more depth of cake presentation rather than obsessing over how awesome my new frosting prep is. :)

7th Grade 2 pt. Street Perspective-Interrupted

The 7th grade Perspective Unit was planned and arranged in this order specifically for students to acquire and master skills:

• Soaring 1 pt. Perspective
• 2 pt. Street Perspective
• Perspective Tape Murals Mastery Project

However, sometimes order is overrated! Apparently, not only do art teachers not only have to assess skill acquisition and level of engagement- but the WEATHER forecast, too! HA!

The rainy November dictated that we interrupt the 2 pt. Street Perspective so that we could install the Tape Murals during a short- and I mean short, clearing of the weather. So, I present to you now...

2 Point Street Perspective Projects- BTW, they are amazing!

 

7th Grade Perspective Tape Murals are Installed!

This is the second year that Tape Murals have been a part of the 7th grade curriculum and man they are SO here to stay. I love how the hallways are totally transformed into aesthetically pleasing mathematical displays of lines and angles. The blue tape makes everything "Pop"!

I am so proud of the 7th Grade Class. These kiddos really pushed themselves. Not only did they work through near freezing temperature, but their designs are very detailed- making them work right up until the 85 minute mark! The murals will remain on the walls until we return from winter break. Come by and check them out!

8th Grade Digital Tattoos

WOW! This is THE BEST 1-Block Day Lesson Everrr! Thanks to Schoo Middle School for the inspo- I pinned this about 2 years ago and finally got around to adapting it to be able to use with iPads!
So just for some background, I created Trick photography Unit this year that included 3 projects: forced Perspective, Light Painting and Digital Tattoos. This Unit lasted out 10 days so it was SUPER Fast. The kids were totally wanting more, so I will probably revise it to make the lessons more thorough and add another project or so. FUN!
You can essentially teach this lesson using two video tutorials that I made. SketchbookX is a free app- get it! Fused is another free app- but has had several updates since I made the tutorial. Follow these directions to fuse the pictures:

• open the Fused app
• upload the background (body part)
• upload the foreground (tattoo)
• select the overlay MULTIPLY
• toggle for the desired opacity
• select arrangement
• size and place
• save

Voila! No erasing! #easypeasy!