Great Explorers · Spring Term

Tom Crean: Irish Antarctic Hero

The life and voyages of the Kerry man who survived the harshest conditions on Earth.

About This Topic

Relief Printing introduces 3rd Year students to the concept of the 'multiple'. Unlike a drawing, which is a unique object, printing allows an artist to create many copies of the same image. This topic aligns with the NCCA Print strand, where students explore the process of transferring an image from a raised surface to paper. They learn to create printing blocks using materials like foam, cardboard, or even vegetables, discovering how the 'negative space' (the parts they cut away) is just as important as the 'positive space'.

A key challenge in relief printing is 'mirroring', understanding that the final print will be a reversed version of the block. This requires students to think ahead and plan their designs carefully. This topic is highly process-oriented and benefits from station rotations where students can experiment with different inking and pressing techniques. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation during the 'proofing' stage.

Active Learning Ideas

Stations Rotation: The Print Lab

Set up stations for different parts of the process: one for 'carving' (using dull pencils on foam), one for 'inking' (using rollers and trays), and one for 'pressing' (using clean rollers or spoons). Students rotate to complete their first edition.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: The Mirror Mystery

Students write their initials on a piece of paper and then try to draw them 'backwards' as they would appear on a printing block. They swap with a partner to check if the reversed letters would print correctly.

⏱ 15 min·Pairs

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Inquiry Circle: Pattern Repeat

In small groups, students use their individual blocks to create a large-scale patterned 'wallpaper'. They must decide on a layout (grid, brick, or random) and work together to keep the spacing and ink levels consistent.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The parts I draw on the block will be white on the paper.

What to Teach Instead

Students often get confused between what is 'inked' and what is 'cut'. A quick 'rubbing' with a crayon over their block before inking helps them see exactly which parts will pick up the color.

Common Misconception

More ink always makes a better print.

What to Teach Instead

Too much ink fills in the fine details. By doing a 'test print' (ghost print) and comparing it with a partner's, students learn that a thin, even layer of 'tacky' ink produces the clearest results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand relief printing?

Active learning strategies like 'station rotations' break the complex printing process into manageable steps. By focusing on one skill at a time, like inking or alignment, students can master the technique through repetition and peer feedback. This collaborative environment also allows them to see a wide variety of results, helping them troubleshoot common issues like over-inking or poor pressure.

What are the safest 'carving' tools for 3rd Year?

Soft foam sheets (like 'Press-Print') are ideal because students can 'carve' into them using just a blunt pencil or a ballpoint pen, eliminating the need for sharp linocut tools while still teaching the relief concept.

How do I explain 'negative space' to 8-9 year olds?

Use the 'cookie cutter' analogy. The dough you cut away is the negative space, and the cookie that's left is the positive shape. In printing, the 'dough' stays white, and the 'cookie' gets the ink.

What is a 'ghost print'?

A ghost print is a second print made from a block without re-inking it. It's a great way to show students how much ink is actually needed and often reveals beautiful, subtle textures.

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