Lesson
Overview
Integrating Visual Art and Science
More Information
There are many ways to make mandalas and many different materials you can use. Inspiration is everywhere.
Art Forms
Visual Art
Subjects
Science
Author
Trish Saccomano
Created
2019
Lesson
TimelineEstimated Time: about 2 hours
TEACHING AND TIMELINE
INTRODUCTION
Using the Caldecott medal winner book, Swirl by Swirl- Patterns in Nature by Joyce Sidman, various YouTube clips and Internet images of natural patterns found in nature, the teacher will lead students in identifying repeating patterns found on different organisms/titles and how they might protect them in their natural environments.
DEMONSTRATION
Step by step instructions (Direct Instruction) will be given to students on how to draw repeating patterns (inspired by patterns found in nature) to design a mandala.
WORK PERIOD
This lesson can be started in one 45 minute session. Students will need one or two more 45 minute sessions to complete their mandalas.
CLOSURE/SUMMARY
Students share/compare work with fellow classmates describing their mandalas and specific nature patterns they chose.
Lesson
Resources
Integration Information
Using the art form of scientific drawing to teach the Science standards of observing the physical attributes of organisms and animals found in nature.
Differentiation
More advanced students could use a compass and protractor to draw their mandalas. Struggling students could use circular templates (See examples in DEMONSTRATION section of lesson plan) or circular lids of jars to begin their mandalas.
Objectives
Researching and observing different patterns in nature; using these patterns to construct Mandalas.
Questions
How can specific plants or animals use their specific physical attributes as an advantage for survival in a specific environment?
Resources
Max Handout (pdf)
Pencils
Rulers
White art paper
Markers
Circular items to trace - jar lids, empty yogurt containers, glasses and cups, etc.
compass
Book: Swirl by Swirl - Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman
Assessment
Assessment will take place in an authentic way - through peer share/explain.
Lesson
Media
Images
Other
Information
Historical Element
What is a Mandala? Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning “circle” and represents the Universe. The patterns within the mandala are usually balance and symmetrical symbolizing how we are all connected and part of the wider universe.
Fine Art Standards
VISUAL ART STRAND: CONNECT (5.V.CO)
Students will relate artistic skills, ideas, and work with personal meaning and external context
Standard 5.V.CO.1
Apply formal and conceptual vocabularies of art and design to view surroundings in new ways through artmaking.
Integrated Standards
Science: Standard 5
Students will understand that traits are passed from the parent organisms to their offspring, and that sometimes the offspring may possess variations of these traits that may help or hinder survival in a given environment.
Objective 2
Describe how some characteristics could give a species a survival advantage in a particular environment.
Research a specific plan or animal and report how specific physical attributes provide an advantage for survival in a specific environment.