Sixth grade art is an elective course introducing students to the language of art and the creative process. Students will experiment with a variety of media to create visual art. The elements of art, (Line, Shape, Space, Color, Value, Texture and Form) are stressed in two–dimensional and/or three-dimensional work. Students will begin to apply art principles, (Rhythm, Movement, Balance, Proportion, Variety, Emphasis and Unity) in their art expression. The development and application of basic techniques and skills are stressed. Students will express their ideas by using art as a form of communication. As students work toward an appreciation and understanding of art they will relate visual arts to various historical and cultural traditions. Students learn to respect their own ideas and artistic expressions and those of others as they analyze and evaluate works of art.

Essential Learning Objectives

• Students will select, organize, and employ visual images, themes, and ideas in works of art to express and intended meaning.
• Students will use elements of art, principles of design and styles of art to communicate ideas and experiences.
• Students will practice and demonstrate the techniques for a well-crafted work of art while using art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner.
• Students will identify and compare the characteristics of works of art from various cultures, times and places.
• Students will analyze works of art using elements of art and principles of design, and similarities and contrasts.

Course work will be made up of studio work, textbook and art history studies, tests and quizzes, oral and written critiques, and sketchbook journals.

Seventh grade art classes are offered as an elective. This course is designed for students having high interests and focus in the visual arts. Students will explore composition and the way art can become interpretive and meaningful. The focus of the class is on personal and cultural interpretation based on themes of landscape, portraiture and still life. Students will build upon the skills they developed in the sixth grade through extended experiences in drawing, painting and collage. Students will spend a full year studying and using art elements and principles in composition and design. Drawing is emphasized as well as other experiences, (painting, sculpture, and printmaking may be stressed). Students will become more aware of the arts of other cultures, and the importance of art in their own lives.

Essential Learning Objectives

• Students will select, organize, and employ visual images, themes, and ideas in works of art to express and intended meaning.
• Students will use elements of art, principles of design and styles of art to communicate ideas and experiences.
• Students will practice and demonstrate the techniques for a well-crafted work of art while using art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner.
• Students will identify and compare the characteristics of works of art from various cultures, times and places.
• Students will analyze works of art using elements of art and principles of design, and similarities and contrasts.

Course work will be made up of studio work, textbook and art history studies, tests and quizzes, oral and written critiques, and sketchbook journals.

Eighth grade art classes are offered as an elective. This course is designed for students having high interests and focus in the visual arts. The course provides more in depth experiences with artistic processes, creative thinking and aesthetic awareness. Assignments correlate with art movements, artists, cultures, and stress personal expression. Students will explore connections between the elements of art and the principles of design, images, techniques and meaning conveyed in the work of art. They will reflect on and analyze the intentions, development and interpretations of their own and their peer’s art works in relation to their lives, society and culture. Students will begin to appreciate the importance of non-verbal communication.

In this year course, students will be introduced to the properties of ceramic clay. The emphasis in this course is on hand-building, (pinch, coil, slab) and an introduction to wheel work. Students will learn about the general history, vocabulary and technical aspects of ceramics, and will participate in all stages of producing finished ceramic projects. Student studies will include some 2-Dimensional work and Hawaiian Arts. Students will create functional and non-functional projects and learn to finish them in a variety of ways.

Essential Learning Objectives

• Students will identify and discuss how and why visual images, themes and ideas communicate.
• Students will describe and discuss characteristics of elements of art, principles of design and styles of art.
• Students will use art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner.
• Students will identify and compare the characteristics of works of art from various cultures, times and places.
• Students will recognize that art impacts the world and the world impacts art.
• Students will learn a basic understanding of ceramic materials and equipment through the use of historic processes and firing techniques, slide and video lectures and demonstrations.

Course work will be made up of studio work, textbook and art history studies, tests and quizzes, oral and written critiques, and sketchbook journals.

 we will begin to look at the history of firing clay. There are many different ways to fire a piece of pottery and using an electric kiln is just one way… one of the easiest…  Are you ready to get your pottery fired?

So what did you think of the loading process? Did the pottery come out the way you expected? Did the colors change from what you planned?