Lesson 1: Shape: Geometric vs. Organic Construction

1. What is the difference between a shape with "points" and a shape that is "round"?
2. Can we find shapes in the room that match the ones on our paper?
3. How can we combine small shapes to make one big person or object?

Shape, Geometric (Circle, Square, Triangle), Organic (Natural/Free-form), Edge, Corner.

NCAS: VA:Cr2.1.HS1 (Engage in making a work of art without a pre-conceived plan).

Common Core Math: Recognizing and analyzing shapes (K.G.A.2).

Spatial Reasoning: Understanding how parts fit into a whole.

Mathematics: Classifying objects into categories; identifying properties of polygons.

Description: Students use pre-cut high-contrast foam shapes and "Found Organic Shapes" (like leaves or torn paper) to build a collage.

Purpose: To move from 1D (Line) to 2D (Shape) and practice categorization and spatial arrangement.

DOK Level: Level 2 (Skill/Concept) – Students will compare and contrast shapes and organize them into a composition.

Street Signs: Recognizing that a "Circle" means one thing and an "Octagon" means another.

Architecture: Identifying shapes in local buildings or the student’s own home.

Art History: Looking at Henri Matisse’s late-life "cut-outs," which he created when he had limited mobility.

Students may think shapes only exist on paper (remind them that a plate is a circle, a door is a rectangle).

The idea that a shape "must" look like a specific object (encourage abstract "blobs").

Visual: Use "Shape Templates" (stencils) with raised edges so students can feel the boundary.

Physical: Use "Sticky Boards" (contact paper) so students with limited grip can simply drop a shape onto the paper and have it stay without needing glue sticks.

Cognitive: Provide a "Sorting Tray" where one side is for circles and the other is for squares.

What Students Will Know: That shapes are defined by their edges and can be grouped by their features.

• What Students Will Do: Categorize a bin of shapes and glue them into an organized "Shape City" or abstract design.

• Demonstration of Learning: When asked to "Find the square," the student will select the shape with corners from a choice of two options.