PROJECT: DESIGNING THE ZODIAC
Level: Lower Academy
PROJECT OVERVIEW:
SYNOPSIS
In this project, student artists are introduced to constellations and their stories from Greek, Native American, and Inca cultures; they compare how these cultures interpreted the same groups of stars in the sky and learn about how they incorporated the changing sky into their mythology. Student artists brainstorm their own, original, constellations, create an origin myth, redraw their brainstorms into a thought out composition of the night sky, and finish using liquid watercolor and oil pastels.
© info: Doodles Academy presents both public domain artworks and works that are protected by copyright in their videos and lessons. The latter are used in accordance with fair use principle, as the images are only being used for educational purposes. If you are the copyright holder of the work of art used for Doodles-Academy.org and do not agree that the use of your image is a fair use, please contact us by email.
SET-UP AT A GLANCE:
MATERIALS:
Pens & pencils, Watercolor paper (recommended: at least 11×14”), eraser, scissors, sharpies. oil pastels, *liquid watercolors, *palettes or small paint cups, water cups, paintbrushes in a variety of sizes (leaning towards small), cloth or paper towel to ‘blot’
Optional (see lesson 2): markers, colored paper
*Note: pan watercolors will work, but the colors will be less vibrant. If using pan watercolor you do not need palettes
Suggestion: have bins for each table or section that contain the materials and simply add the new materials needed for each lesson. Assign a student artist the job of passing materials out after the ‘CFU’ part of the lesson. Baby wipes are handy to clean hands after the oil pastel lesson.
BOOKS/MEDIA:
- (optional, lesson 1 & 3): computers or tablets for early finishers
- (optional, lesson 2): Origin Stories from a variety of cultures, such as:
- “The Constellation Hercules”/Cassiopeia/Draco/Scorpius by by Lisa Owings (marketed 1-5th grade, fairly dense with information)
- “Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations” by Jacqueline Mitton (1-4th grade)
- (optional, lesson 3):
- “Coyote Places the Stars” by Harriet Peck Taylor (level: up to 3rd Grade)
- “How the Stars Fell into the Sky: A Navajo Legend” by Jerrie Oughton (level: up to 3rd Grade)
PHOTOCOPIES:
- 1 work packet per student: http://bit.ly/2CRUGLO
- Composition instructions (lesson 3: can be printed or projected): http://bit.ly/2Qsoxgx
- Artist Statement, 1 per student: http://bit.ly/2sywwiF
OPTIONAL RESOURCES:
These are optional and, if using the videos to teach, unnecessary. If you are teaching the lessons without showing the videos, you’ll need to gather these resources to successfully illustrate the lesson concepts.
- Lesson 1: examples of constellations with images over them. The video compares the Greek constellation ‘Orion’ with the Lakota constellation, based on the same stars, of a hand.
- Lesson 2: an example of the constellation of Pegasus
- Lesson 3: examples of the Ursa Major in different positions in the sky (see video summary). https://in-the-sky.org/skymap.php is a good resource for this.
- Lesson 4/5: Examples of the Milky Way, and keep the inspiration image handy to point out the Inca constellations as you discuss.
STANDARDS
Level: Lower Academy
COMMON CORE STANDARDS
ELA STANDARDS
READING: LITERATURE
RL.2.9 Compare and contrast two or more versions of the same story (e.g., Cinderella stories) by different authors or from different cultures.
Supporting this: Lesson 1-4, students learn about constellation mythology and origin stories from Greek, Native American, and Inca cultures. Literacy extensions are available during lessons 2 & 3.
READING: Informational Text
RI.1.9 Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures).
RI.2.9 Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic.
Supporting this: Lesson 1-4, students learn about constellation mythology and origin stories from Greek, Native American, and Inca cultures. Literacy extensions are available during lessons 2 & 3.
WRITING
W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
Lesson 5: writing an artist’s statement
W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic, and provide some sense of closure.
W.2.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
Lesson 2: developing an origin story for their constellation with the help of a story map. Note that students are able to include information through drawing or writing.
SPEAKING & LISTENING
SL.1.1a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions.
SL.2.1a Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions
SL.1.1b Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
SL.2.1b Build on others’ talk in conversations by linking their comments to the remarks of others.
SL.1.2 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
SL.2.2 Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
Lessons 1-4: discussing the inspiration image, Lessons 1-5: student artwork presentations
SL.1.1c Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion. SL.2.1c Ask for clarification and further explanation as needed about the topics and texts under discussion.
SL.1.3 Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.
SL.2.3 Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue.
SL.2.4 Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audibly in coherent sentences.
SL.1.5 Add drawings or other visual displays to descriptions when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
SL.2.5 Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.
Lessons 1-5: student artwork presentations)
CROSS CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS
- Science
Connect to studies of the sky, moon, sun, or stars
- Social Studies
Emphasize the different cultural similarities and differences
- Language Arts
Use the enclosed book suggestions & emphasize the writing component
SOCIAL STUDIES CONTENT
Core Content are common topics used all across America to address Social Studies and Science standards. This project supports the following core content in social studies:
Historical Inquiry
SCIENCE CORE CONTENT
Core Content are common topics used all across America to address Social Studies and Science standards. This project supports the following core content in science:
Earth/Space
EL Education
EL Education (https://eleducation.org/ ) is an open-source literacy curriculum.
This art project supports the ideas and learning in the following EL Education Domains:
GRADE 1:
Domain 1: Fables and Stories
This domain will introduce students to fables and stories that have delighted generations of people. By listening to these classics,students will increase their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, learn valuable lessons about ethics and behavior, become familiar with the key elements and parts of a story, and acquire cultural literacy.
Domain 3: Different Lands, Similar Stories
This domain will introduce students to three themes in folktales that have been told to children for generations, using variations from different lands or countries. By listening to these stories, students will increase their vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, be exposed to different places and cultures from around the world, and learn valuable universal lessons.
Domain 5: Early American Civilizations
The domain includes a study of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations, exposing students to the gradual development of cities. Students will examine the fundamental features of the Maya, Aztec, and Inca, including farming, the establishment of cities and government, as well as religion. Students will be encouraged to compare and contrast each of these societies and their elements.
Domain 6: Astronomy
In this domain, students will be introduced to the solar system—our home in space. They will learn that Earth, the planet on which we live, is just one of many different celestial bodies within the solar system. They will learn how the sun, the stars, the moon, and the other planets relate to the earth (given its position in space). In the early read-alouds, students will learn that the sun is a giant star as well as a source of light, heat, and energy for the earth. They will also learn about the earth’s orbit around the sun, and how the earth’s own rotation on its axis leads to the phenomenon of day and night. Part of this domain is focused on the history of space exploration and the missions to the moon. Students will learn about NASA, the Space Race, the Apollo missions, and what it takes to be an astronaut.
GRADE 2:
Domain 1: Fairy Tales and Tall Tales
This domain will introduce students to classic fairy tales and tall tales and the well-known lessons they teach. This domain will also lay the foundation for understanding stories in future grades. The first half of the Fairy Tales and Tall Tales domain focuses on fairy tales and the second half of the domain focuses on tall tales and the elements of that genre
Domain 4: Greek Myths
This domain builds on The Ancient Greek Civilization domain and will introduce students to several well-known Greek myths and many well-known mythical characters. Students will learn that the ancient Greeks worshipped many gods and goddesses, and that the twelve they believed lived on Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, were the most powerful. Students will learn the definition of a myth: a fictional story, once thought to be true that tried to explain mysteries of nature and humankind. They will also learn about myths that include supernatural beings or events, and that myths give insight into the ancient Greek culture. Students will hear about Prometheus and Pandora, Demeter and Persephone, Arachne the Weaver, the Sphinx, and Hercules, among others.
NATIONAL CORE (VISUAL) ARTS STANDARDS
CREATING:
Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1.1a: Explore uses of materials and tools to create works of art or design.
Lessons 1-5, building an artwork from a brainstorm to final piece
Anchor Standard 3: Refine and complete artistic work.
VA:Cr3.1.2a: Discuss and reflect with peers about choices made in creating artwork
Lessons 1-5: student artwork presentations
RESPONDING:
Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and analyze artistic work.
VA:Re.7.2.1a: Compare images that represent the same subject.
Lessons 1-4: discussing the inspiration image
Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding
VA:Cn11.1.1a : Understand that people from different places and times have made art for a variety of reasons.
Lessons 1-4: discussing the inspiration image, during the lesson introductions
VA:Cn11.1.2a: Compare and contrast cultural uses of artwork from different times and places.
Lessons 1-4: discussing the inspiration image, during the lesson introductions
ART ELEMENTS
line, color, value
ART PRINCIPLES
balance, unity