Unit 3: Form

What Students Will Know

Shape vs. Form: Students will know that a circle (2D) becomes a sphere (3D), a square becomes a cube, and a triangle becomes a cone or pyramid.

The Illusion of Depth: They will understand that Value (light and shadow) is the primary tool used to make a flat shape appear to have volume.

Mass and Volume: They will know the difference between Solid Form (mass) and Hollow/Open Form (volume), and how "negative space" exists within 3D structures.

Structural Integrity: Students will know that physical forms are subject to gravity and require balance and stable bases to exist in the real world.

Students will investigate how to create the illusion of form on a 2D surface through value and perspective, as well as how to manipulate physical materials to create actual 3D forms that occupy space.

This unit transitions students from the flat, two-dimensional world of Shape into the three-dimensional world of Form. It is designed to be highly adaptable, allowing teachers to focus on either traditional sculpture, optical illusion (shading), or architectural design.