|
Description:
What does "Roeper" look like? How do we identify our community and its values in what we observe on a daily basis? We began this school year with discussions of community and philosophy, so students had already begun this process. Students were asked to think about the philosophy and values of The Roeper School, to observe their community for people, places, and/or events that communicate the unique qualities of our community. 
Trade school engine class led by Henry Ford predella panel,
detail, Detroit Industry south wall.
Click the image for more information. |
Grade Level: Eighth
Materials:- Polaroid One-step camera with black & white
- Polaroid instant film
- photocopy machine
- opaque projector
- pencils
- 22 x 28" white 6-ply poster board
- permanent markers (we used Prismacolor)
Session 1:
Double block (block = 45 minutes; double block = 90 minutes) field trip: Class visits the DIA to see Diego Rivera's Detroit Industry murals. [see Preparation]
Session 2:
Single block: Class views slides of DIA's Detroit Industry murals, as well as many other works of art (by Bearden, Breughel, Chagall) that demonstrate how artists look at their communities and interpret their philosophical and/or ideological values. Students were given a homework assignment to complete a worksheet I adapted from a mural worksheet published on the Getty website. I asked them to keep the following purpose in mind:
- identify the concept/value of the Roeper Philosophy that you wish to depict
- identify people, events, and/or places that might be included
- identify any religious, spiritual, or mythological references
Students were told that once identified, these images would be photographed, enlarged, and transferred to poster panels that will serve as maquettes for a future mural project.
Sessions 3-6:
Two to three single block sessions will be adequate for most students to complete their poster/section. Method- Take several black & white Polaroid photographs; vary vantage points to get the most powerful image (digital cameras could also be used- both methods allow students to evaluate composition and re-shoot as necessary).
- Enlarge the selected image using a photocopier.
- Transfer and further enlarge the image to a 22" x 28" poster board (you could also transfer directly to the wall surface if desired); several students opted to use enlarged photocopies directly, incorporating them into a collaged composition with hand-drawn elements.
- Use prismacolor markers to add color; add linear detail with black marker last.
Note: Some students choose to write about the Seeing and Believing art project as the subject of a final essay for their social studies course.
|
