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DRAGONS
Leaders Notes: Sculpture
PRESENTATION
Using a large area, preferably out of doors, pupils will be asked to design a dragon sculpture in relief. Using the "mood board" on Dragons as a resource, draw attention to shape, pattern and scales. Ask lots of questions about dragon-like creatures e.g. which bits of other animals could you use to make a dragon? Batwings, fish scales, lizard tails etc.
Strand 5-14
- Investigating visually and recording.
- Using the visual elements.
- Observing.
Outcome 1. Using materials and techniques, skills and media.
APPLICATION
The group should be divided into roughly fifteen, each under the tutelage of their teacher or Jane Beattie and one A.I.R. Each group should then create subdivisions, with adult assistance, into the following.
- Designers - approximately two.
- Gatherers - approximately ten.
- Sorters - approximately three.
At this stage a photographic record could be made.
Strand 5-14
- Creating and designing.
- Communicating.
- Collecting
Outcome 2. Expressing ideas, thoughts and solutions.
AIM
Designers
Using the best ideas from the groups' drawings, create a large dragon outside on the designated area, within the given dimensions. Thinking about shape, line, pattern. The A.I.R. could assist with this.
Gatherers
Jane or Teacher to take group around site, and possibly also onto the beach to collect an assortment of found objects. NOTHING MAN-MADE TO BE TOUCHED WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION (Bricks excepted). Suggested objects: Bricks, stones, pebbles, sticks, slate, wood, shells, seaweed, leaves etc. These items would be wheelbarrowed back to the sorters.
Sorters
These people would grade the objects found according to size, shape, texture or colour, depending on the group's decision about the decoration of their dragon. The Designers would start to place these objects to create their dragon, with the assistance of the sorters.
A photographic record could be made.
Strand 5-14
- Creating and Designing, Communicating and Presenting
Continuing Outcome 2 Expressing ideas, thoughts, and solutions.
OUTCOME
The whole group could be involved in finishing off the creation of their Dragon. They have to consider, line, shape and pattern. They would also want to think about grading according to size, colour or texture. [To gauge group opinion of the sculpture, individual evaluation forms will be handed out].
A photographic record could be made.
Strand 5-14
- Creating
- Observing
- Listening
- Reflecting
- Describing and responding.
Outcome 3 Evaluating and appreciating.
FURTHER NOTES FOR TEACHERS
- As a final touch (if Health and Safety allows) a fire could be lit in the Dragon's "Maw" - this could be done after the class have gone, and a photographic record taken. This would all tie in with Preston Grange Museum's original use as a coalmine and brickworks.
- Scale would have to be stressed, particularly with younger children.
- It may be prudent to collect a pile of old bricks or stones in advance as a starting point.
- Throughout the exercise, it would be good if one of the A.I.R.'s took a photographic record to put in the book. N.B. A.I.R. = Artist in Residence.
- Materials required: Stage 1 - Research drawings, pencil and paper. Stage 2 - Chalks (for marking dragon shape) found objects. Stage 3 - Evaluation forms for group opinion of their sculpture and the course as a whole. Film for cameras (if not digital). Gloves for collecting coal, paper and matches - if the fire is allowed!.
NOTES FOR TEACHERS
AIMS AND OUTCOMES
- Creating artwork as a response to visual stimuli. Measuring, planning, working to scale, cooperation.
- Group work, negotiating, organising, observing, communication.
- Organising, gathering, sorting according to type, evaluating.
- Further Lesson plans and notes available.