Lesson Plan
Visual Arts: Planetary Travel Brochure
| Subject: | Art |
| Grade span: | 4 to 6 |
| Duration: | Two to three 45-minute sessions |
Description:
This sample lesson is one example of how you can implement the practice of Integrating the Arts with Other Subjects. In this activity, students create a travel brochure for the planet of their choice using basic elements of the visual arts.Learning Goals:
- Understand basic elements of the visual arts
- Understand how the visual arts can be used to communicate ideas
- Learn how to use expressive features and visual organization to communicate ideas
Materials:
- Copy of The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole
- Chalkboard or dry-erase board
- Internet access or books about the solar system
- Drawing materials such as cardstock or manila paper, pencils, crayons or markers, etc.
- Arts and crafts materials such as yarn, string, construction paper, glitter, glue, etc.
- Travel brochures from various locations (optional)
Preparation:
- Read The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole and use the illustrations to review the basic elements of the visual arts, such as color, shape, and line.
- Consult the Resources page for suggested Web sites and books to familiarize yourself with the solar system.
- Print the Sample Planet Chart (PDF).
What to Do:
Session 1- Read aloudThe Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole. Use the illustrations in the book to review the basic elements of the visual arts (color, shape, line).
- Prepare a planet chart on the chalkboard or dry-erase board to organize information students will gather about the planets.
- Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign a planet to each. Give students 20 to 30 minutes to research their planets. Ask them to record the following:
- Size
- Distance from the sun
- Rotation period
- Revolution period
- Composition (rock or gas)
- Appearance
- Number and names of moons
- Special features
- When students have finished researching their planets, fill in the planet chart and discuss what students learned about the planets.
- Review the story and planet chart from Session 1. Ask students to consider which planet they would visit if they could, and why they would choose that planet.
- Show sample travel brochures and explain that they will be creating travel brochures for their selected planets. Briefly discuss techniques used in brochures use to create excitement or interest in a particular destination.
- Introduce elements of the visual arts, such as color, shape, and line. Discuss how these elements may be used to convey information about their planets, for example, a color palette that represents the different planetary temperatures, curved lines to depict rotation, etc.
- Demonstrate how to fold paper/cardstock into thirds. Then have students create their brochures, which should include 8 to 12 interesting facts about their planets in the brochure. Provide additional time for brochure design, if needed.
- Display the brochures or ask students to present their brochures to one another in pairs or small groups.
- As an extension, consider having students create an advertising campaign for each planet, including a radio/TV commercial, billboard, and/or magazine ad.
Evaluate (Outcomes to look for):
- Student participation and engagement
- An understanding of the basic elements of the visual arts
- Brochures that reflect accurate information about the planets
Standards:
Click this link to see additional learning goals, grade-level benchmarks, and standards covered in this lesson.
