The Measure of Things · Spring Term

Length and Distance: Centimeters and Meters

Students measure and estimate length using meters and centimeters, selecting appropriate tools.

About This Topic

Found Object Printing introduces students to the NCCA Print and Shape strands by transforming everyday items into artistic tools. This topic encourages students to look at the world through a 'printer's eye,' identifying the geometric and organic shapes hidden in common objects like corks, sponges, or leaves. It demystifies the printmaking process, showing that you don't need expensive equipment to create complex, beautiful designs.

Students experiment with layering, color mixing on the 'plate,' and varying the amount of ink to see how it affects the final image. This topic is highly experimental and benefits from a collaborative environment where students can swap 'found tools' and share their discoveries. By using active learning strategies like station rotations, students can quickly test a wide variety of textures and shapes, building a diverse visual vocabulary.

Active Learning Ideas

Station Rotations: The Printing Buffet

Set up stations with different categories of objects: 'Nature' (leaves, twigs), 'Kitchen' (forks, sponges), and 'Office' (corks, paperclips). Students rotate through, making one print of each to see which category creates the clearest shapes.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Layering Logic

Students print one shape in a light color. They then discuss with a partner which shape and color should go on top to create an interesting 'overlap' effect before making the second print.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Gallery Walk: Shape Guessing

Students display their best prints. Peers walk around and try to identify which 'found object' was used to create specific marks, discussing how the object's 3D shape changed when it became a 2D print.

⏱ 25 min·Whole Class

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

More paint makes a better print.

What to Teach Instead

Students often glob on paint, which loses the detail of the object. Through 'The Printing Buffet,' they discover that a thin, even layer of paint (using a brayer or sponge) captures the 'true' texture of the object.

Common Misconception

You can only print with things that are flat.

What to Teach Instead

Students might ignore round objects like corks or balls. Experimentation shows them that 'rolling' a 3D object can create a continuous, interesting line or pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of paint is best for found object printing?

Thick tempera or acrylic paint works well. If the paint is too watery, it will slip off the object and create a blurry mess. Using a sponge to 'dab' the paint onto the object helps control the amount.

How do I help students organize their printing workspace?

Use 'inking stations' where paint is kept, and 'printing stations' where the paper stays clean. This prevents 'ghost' fingerprints from ruining the final artwork.

How can active learning help students understand found object printing?

Active learning turns the lesson into a game of discovery. In 'Shape Guessing,' students are forced to analyze the relationship between a 3D object and its 2D mark. This critical thinking helps them understand the concept of 'transfer,' which is the foundation of all printmaking in the NCCA curriculum.

What should I do if the object sticks to the paper?

This usually means the paint is too thick or has started to dry. Remind students to work quickly and to use a 'steady hand' to lift the object straight up rather than pulling it to the side.

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