Monoprinting: Unique Impressions
Experimenting with monoprinting to create unique, one-of-a-kind prints using various textures.
Key Questions
- Differentiate monoprinting from other printmaking techniques.
- Construct a monoprint that captures a specific texture or pattern.
- Evaluate how different pressures affect the outcome of a monoprint.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
Changing Shapes explores the physical limits of solid objects. According to the Year 2 National Curriculum, pupils should find out how the shapes of solid objects made from some materials can be changed by squashing, bending, twisting, and stretching. This moves students beyond seeing solids as 'unchangeable' and helps them understand the concept of flexibility and elasticity.
This topic is highly tactile. Students learn through direct manipulation of materials like clay, rubber, wood, and metal. They discover that while some materials return to their original shape, others stay changed or even break. This topic particularly benefits from hands-on, student-centered approaches where children can experiment with force and observe the results first-hand.
Active Learning Ideas
Inquiry Circle: The Shape-Shifter Challenge
Give groups a set of items: a sponge, a pipe cleaner, a lump of playdough, and a wooden lolly stick. They must try to squash, bend, twist, and stretch each one, recording which actions work and which don't.
Role Play: Be the Material
The teacher acts as the 'Force' and calls out 'Twist!' or 'Stretch!'. Students move their bodies to show how a flexible material would react versus how a rigid material would stay still. This helps them internalise the vocabulary.
Think-Pair-Share: The Bouncy Problem
Show a rubber band and a piece of string. Ask students why we use rubber for hair ties but string for parcels. They discuss the idea of 'stretching and returning' (elasticity) and share their thoughts.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionIf a material changes shape, it isn't a solid anymore.
What to Teach Instead
Children sometimes think only liquids can change shape. By squashing a sponge or playdough, they can see that it is still a solid because it doesn't flow or take the shape of a container like water does.
Common MisconceptionAll 'stretchy' things are the same.
What to Teach Instead
Students may not distinguish between things that stay stretched (like blue-tack) and things that snap back (like a spring). A comparative test helps them identify 'elastic' as a specific type of shape-changing.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four ways we can change the shape of a solid?
Why do some things go back to their shape and others don't?
How can active learning help students understand changing shapes?
Can you change the shape of a rock?
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