Magic Flower (Garden) - Lesson Plan & Exemplar

Grade: 3

Title: Magic Flower (Garden)

Background: This project is based off the idea that “real” flowers are seemingly symmetrical in the bud area after they bloom. It is an attempt to pay homage to nature through the use of man-made products. By displaying all the final pieces together as a cohesive whole, all students will be equally rewarded. No one piece will be able to visually dominate. Also, a further sense of class unity should be achieved.

Goal: To create a virtual garden by combining the individual pieces of an entire class working on the “Magic Flower” project.

Objectives:
1. Use radial symmetry to create a balanced, and interesting design.
2. Introduce the students to Pop Art.
3. Create Art which functions on its own and as a part of a whole.
4. Open a discussion about nature and the environment.
5. Show the beauty of diversity and discuss multiculturalism.
6. Strengthen class unity.

Materials:
- Pencils
- Rulers
- Paper (white) students – 12” x 12”
- Paper (white) teacher - 18” x 24” (10 sheets)
- Scissors
- Coloring tools (colored pencils / crayons / magic markers)
- Double sided tape
- Digital camera (for documentation)*

Teacher Preparation: Acquire some images of brightly colored flowers and gardens. Acquire images of Pop Art, particularly Warhol’s silkscreen images and Roy Lichtenstein’s work. Prepare garden bed by taping poster paper sheets together horizontally. This should create one giant 3'x10' sheet of paper. Hang giant sheet somewhere appropriate. Make sure camera has sufficient battery power and memory space. (This step is not necessary to the completion of the project. It will make for good reference material and add to both the teacher and students’ portfolio.)

Introduction: This is a lesson that actually combines the Lesson Plan for the Magic Flower and expands it into a mural project. You will be able to show students how a large complex design can originate from very simple and rudimentary shapes and colors. You will also get to open them up to the exciting world of Pop Art. As if all this Art learning isn’t enough, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss Nature and the environment as a source for secondary assignments in reading and writing. You can also discuss diversity and multiculturalism in regards to flowers and people.

Directions:
1. Cut white paper into at least 12” squares.
2. Fold square from corner to corner to create a triangle.
3. Fold that triangle in half.
4. Open and fold through the center X.
5. Open page and lay flat.
6. Plant a “seed” in the center where all folds come together.
7. Repeat geometric shapes around that seed. Be aware of the importance of changing the size of your shapes to create interest.
8. You may add patterns inside the shapes to create contrast.
9. Use coloring tools to color design.
10. Cut out the flowers with scissors.
11. Tape flower to the Garden Bed.
12. Photograph the completed garden and individual flowers.

Time: 1 hour

Safety: Express to the students the importance of using care when handling scissors.

Reference:
- http://www.artchive.com/artchive/pop_art.html
- http://www.warhol.org/
- http://www.lichtensteinfoundation.org/
- http://www.thegardener.btinternet.co.uk/flowerarranging.html