Visual Arts · 2nd Year

Active learning ideas

Found Object Printing

Active learning works for Found Object Printing because it turns abstract concepts like texture and layering into tangible experiences. Students immediately see cause and effect when they roll a cork across paper and watch a pattern emerge, making abstract ideas concrete and memorable.

NCCA Curriculum SpecificationsNCCA: Primary - PrintNCCA: Primary - Shape
20–45 minPairs → Whole Class3 activities

Activity 01

Outdoor Investigation Session45 min · Small Groups

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.

Differentiate between the shapes and textures found in non-art objects that can be used for printing.

Facilitation TipDuring Station Rotations, circulate with a damp paper towel to immediately clean objects when students switch stations, keeping prints crisp and paint from drying on tools.

What to look forProvide students with a small selection of found objects (e.g., a leaf, a cork, a piece of bubble wrap). Ask them to select two objects and quickly sketch the texture and shape of each. Then, have them predict what kind of mark each object would make with paint.

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Activity 02

Think-Pair-Share20 min · Pairs

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.

Analyze how the amount of paint applied affects the clarity and detail of a print.

Facilitation TipFor Think-Pair-Share, provide a shared timer so pairs stay focused on comparing their two chosen objects before sharing with the group.

What to look forStudents complete a print using at least two found objects. On the back, they write: 'One object I used was ____, and it made a ____ print because ____.' They also answer: 'What would happen if I used more paint next time?'

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Activity 03

Gallery Walk25 min · Whole Class

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.

Predict the visual effect of layering multiple found object prints.

Facilitation TipDuring the Gallery Walk, place a small magnifying glass at each station so students can closely examine texture details before guessing the next object.

What to look forAfter students have experimented with printing, ask: 'Which found object gave you the most interesting texture and why? How did the amount of paint you used change the print? What did you learn about layering prints from observing your classmates' work?'

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A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach Found Object Printing by emphasizing experimentation over perfection. Avoid demonstrating the 'right' way to use an object, as this limits discovery. Research shows that when students explore materials without rigid instructions, they develop stronger problem-solving skills and a deeper understanding of printmaking principles.

Successful learning looks like students using found objects intentionally to create prints with clear shapes and textures, experimenting with paint application to enhance detail. They should articulate how different objects and paint amounts change the final design.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

  • During The Printing Buffet, watch for students adding thick globs of paint to their objects.

    Encourage them to practice with a brayer or sponge to spread a thin, even layer first, demonstrating how detail is lost when paint is too thick.

  • During The Printing Buffet, observe whether students avoid round or 3D objects like corks or bottle caps.

    Have them roll the cork slowly across the paper, then pause to observe how the circular shape creates a continuous line.

Methods used in this brief

More in Printmaking and Patterns

Designing Repeating Patterns

Using a single motif to create a rhythmic design across a large surface.

2 methodologies

Monoprinting Adventures

Creating unique, one-off prints by drawing directly into ink on a smooth surface.

2 methodologies

Stamping with Hand-Carved Blocks

Creating simple stamps from soft materials (e.g., foam, potato) and using them to make prints.

2 methodologies

Printing on Different Surfaces

Experimenting with printing on various types of paper and fabric to observe how the surface affects the print.

2 methodologies