IB MYP Lesson: The Beast

This lesson is very popular in my 8th grade art class. The objective is to teach young artists how to plan and organize a work of art that focuses on the Element of Texture. This is done through the creation of an imaginary animal. The use of the IB Design Cycle is instrumental in the planning. The Journal helps students to understand the many steps of this lesson and helps them do the necessary investigation for a great finished product. There are many components and the process yields great results if students follow the Design Cycle.

The five studies and the rough draft are used to create the final Beast. Pen, either a black fine point marker or gel pen, is used for the final drawing.  If students put too much pencil detail in the final drawing it must be removed with a kne… — The five studies and the rough draft are used to create the final Beast. Pen, either a black fine point marker or gel pen, is used for the final drawing. If students put too much pencil detail in the final drawing it must be removed with a kneaded eraser to allow the pen to adhere over the pencil. All shading is added once the pen drawing is complete using Black Colored Pencil.

The design cycle

Students INVESTIGATE, PLAN, CREATE & REFLECT

The Beast Process

The student keeps the Beast Journal in their Process Journal/Developmental Workbook (seen at the far corner of the table). Following the Journal steps, the student investigates through a series of animal or insect studies: Head, Body, Front Legs or Wings, Back Legs and an Appendage such a horn or tail or fin. These pencil studies can be used to assemble the imaginary Beast. The goal is find eight distinctly different textures that can be reproduced in pen and shaded with black colored pencil. Since each Beast is unique, the teacher must provide individual feedback while students work on the rough draft. Special attention must be given to the anatomy of the Beast to make the parts fit together properly. It is very helpful for the teacher to discuss how legs and wings actually attach to an animal. It is also important for the teacher to give a formative exercise in the creation of a range of textures (hair, fur, wrinkles, scales, etc.). The lesson begins with a trip to the school Media Center to gather non-fiction and reference books with excellent photos. The more books, the better.

A finished Beast.  Final drawing size is 12" by 18". — A finished Beast. Final drawing size is 12" by 18".

The Design cycle Journal

Following the four steps, the Journal should be customized by the teacher to meet their criteria. A basic Design Cycle Journal can be found of the IBO website. My Beast Journal has gone through many revisions.

Below is a four page Journal.

Name___________________Pd.___ Journal Start Date_____Due Date_____

IB MYP Design Cycle Journal/Unit Title: BEAST DRAWING

Unit Question: Do artists need training to improve their drawing techniques?

This assignment uses observational drawing to explore textures and shading. The final product is an imaginary Beast drawing with 8+ clearly different textures.

The Design Cycle has 4 parts: INVESTIGATE-PLAN-CREATE-EVALUATE

This assignment must follow the Design Cycle. All sections must be completed.

INVESTIGATE (step 1)

As you prepare your 5 animal observational studies (head, body, front legs, back legs, appendage) look for 8 distinctly different textures required for your final Beast drawing. You are not required to use each drawing BUT it is more useful if you do. Write the book title, author and page on the back of each drawing!

Define TEXTURE: ________________________________________________

What are the DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS (requirements) for your Beast drawing:

What materials will you need? Be specific about medium and paper size/type

1. For the 5 Studies:________________________________________________

2. For your final Beast:______________________________________________

List the 5 primary reference materials with Title, Author and Page used for your studies (book, website, etc. )

1. Head

2. Body

3. Front Legs or Wings

4. Back Legs

5. Appendage (horn, tail, fin, etc.)

Name_______________________ Period__

PLAN (step 2)

This is your “blueprint” for your project. On this page or on another piece of paper draw with pencil a rough draft of your Beast. It is a good idea to make notes on the draft. You are required to number each of the 8 textures found in your drawing. Include a detailed section showing each texture. Note: a “shape” is not a texture. Example: a tiger or zebra stripe must look furry at the edges and not merely drawn as a black shape. NEVER OUTLINE AND THEN FILL IN THE TEXTURE. The texture is the outline! At this time it is not necessary to do shading. You can staple your rough draft to the back of this journal if it is not drawn in this space.

Name_______________________ Period__

Date: Mid-Project Reflection

Think about the process of making the 5 Studies and the Beast Rough Draft.

Describe two challenges and how both were resolved.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What IB Learner Profile(s) best describe you as you worked through the process of doing the studies and rough draft? Why?

What IB Area of Interaction is/are best for this project and why?

What did you discover in your research about an animal or insect that interested or surprised you?

Name_______________________ Period__

CREATE (step 3)

Gather your materials for your final project. Start your Beast by drawing very light shapes. Do not draw too close to the edge of the paper. Do NOT add textures and shading in pencil. Add textures in PEN. Wait until your drawing is complete to add shading using BLACK COLORED pencil. Consult with your teacher about shading and where to place your light source. Put your name and date and period in pencil on the back of your Beast. Sign the front in pen near the Beast.

EVALUATE (step 4) Date: READ AND WRITE thoughtfully and carefully

What would you change or improve about your final project? Do you feel like your project was successful in achieving your original goals? Why or why not?

Did the teacher prepare you well for this assignment? What would you have done differently if you were the teacher?

Did you find the structure of the IB Design Cycle helpful? Why or why not?

This Journal is due with your Beast Project and is worth ___ points.

can you find 8 textures?

Students have unlimited possibilities but within the framework of the lesson.

Five pencil studies made from observation