Visual Arts

Fifth-grade Visual Arts focuses on examining the world and self through a creative lens. Students engage in projects that foster creativity and develop the skills of envisioning, observation, expression, perseverance, risk-taking, and connecting. Students experiment with different media and art forms to discover the various techniques and multitude of ways they can represent the world around them and reflect on their experiences. Units covered include drawing, painting, two- and three-dimensional design, color relationships, and printmaking. Students explore art both in and outside of the classroom through on-campus outings and visits to local museums. This course also explores art related to the ancient civilizations studied in Social Studies.

Students participate in art-making experiences that emphasize careful observation, critical thinking, and creative exploration. They are introduced to a variety of media and approaches to making art. Units covered include drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, color relationships, and printmaking. Students also look at historical and contemporary artists to broaden their appreciation and understanding of the visual arts. Sixth-grade visual arts class meets twice a week for forty minutes for the full year.

Students build upon and solidify their knowledge of art terms and techniques. They focus on refining their observational drawing skills through a variety of two-dimensional projects that include both wet and dry media. Students continue to practice applying the elements and principles of design in their artwork while engaging in new concepts and materials. Seventh-grade visual arts class meets twice a week for forty minutes for one trimester.

Students are introduced to fundamental hand-building techniques for working in clay. They learn the processes of wedging, modeling, and hollowing clay to create three-dimensional forms. Students are also introduced to the basics of throwing clay on the pottery wheel and the use of low-fire glazes.

Students concentrate on honing their skills of observation and the rendering of form. They work in both wet and dry media and concentrate on shape, value, and composition. Students are introduced to projects of greater complexity that challenge them to problem solve and reflect.

Students explore different styles and techniques of painting, and they experiment in watercolor, tempera, and acrylic paints. They continue to investigate and strengthen their understanding of composition, color relationships, and expression through both individual and collaborative painting projects.