Lesson 1: Value (Lights and Darks)

1. What happens to a color when we add a "drop of sunlight" (white)?
2. How can one color (like Blue) look like two different colors?
3. Where do we see shadows (dark values) in our classroom?

Value, Tint (Color + White), Shade (Color + Black), Light, Dark, Gradient.

NCAS: VA:Cr2.1.HS1 (Experiment with forms, structures, materials, concepts, media, and art-making approaches).

Adaptive Focus: Fine motor precision (dropper/brush control) and visual discrimination.

Mathematics: Understanding Ratios (e.g., adding 1 part white to 2 parts blue).

Physics: The study of light reflection and absorption.

Description: Students will participate in a "Value Step-Up" activity. Starting with a puddle of pure color, they will incrementally add white to create a row of Tints, followed by adding black to create Shades.

Purpose: To transition from identifying colors to understanding the depth and dimension within a single hue.

DOK Level: Level 2 (Skill/Concept) – Students will modify a color to reach a specific visual goal (making it lighter/darker).

Graphic Design: How "Dark Mode" on phones uses value to make screens easier to read at night.

Nature: Looking at the "Values" of the sky during sunrise vs. midnight.

Art History: Exploring Pablo Picasso’s "Blue Period," where he used values of a single color to express sadness.

Students may think adding white creates a new color (e.g., "It's not blue anymore, it's light blue!").

The belief that value only applies to Black and White (remind them all colors have values).

Visual: Use a "Value Slider" (a piece of cardstock with a window) to help students focus on one shade at a time without getting overwhelmed by the whole page.

Physical: Use Eye Droppers or Syringes (no needles) to add white/black paint. This provides a clear "action" for the student to see the change happen.

Sensory: For students who need high contrast, work on Black Paper when creating Tints (white mixes) so the change is immediate and bright.

• What Students Will Know: That adding white or black changes a color's value.

  • What Students Will Do: Create a "Value Scale" showing at least 3 distinct versions of one color (Light, Medium, Dark).

  • Demonstration of Learning: When presented with three painted circles (Dark Blue, Medium Blue, Light Blue), the student will point to the "Darkest" or "Lightest" one upon request.