Concentric Shapes - 2nd

In the first project of the new school year, for 2nd grade, I decided to start with basic shapes. This builds cumulatively off skills learned in 1st grade, e.g. lines, space.

Standards:
Tennessee Art Standards:
1.4  Recognize and demonstrate levels of craftsmanship.
2.1  Identify, understand, and apply the elements of art.
6.2  Understand connections between visual art and other disciplines in the curriculum.

Math Common Core:  
2.G.1 Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or a given number of equal faces. Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and cubes.

Objectives:

• We can create artwork that shows the properties of Shapes. We can use color to define shapes and space.
• We can show that shapes can have sides, angles, and other mathematical features.

Shape - A 2d (flat) object that encloses space

Lesson 1:
First, we review the concepts of space. It's a fairly abstract notion, and sometimes I think it's difficult for kids to grasp. I like to have them wave their hands in the air. I point out that as long as they are not touching anything, they are moving through space. It is the area around us.

Knowing that a shape is an object that encloses space, we start by drawing basic lines. Once the line returns to it's starting point, and it encloses space, we have a shape. I ask the kids start listing shapes, and we draw them out. As I am drawing, I consciously draw all mathematical shapes with straight lines and angles on one side, and curvy shapes with rounded edges on the other. It is an easy way to introduce geometric and organic shapes.

See?

I know what you are thinking. Circles are sometimes classified at geometric shapes, because they are inherently mathematical. Still, when I explain this to the little ones, I keep it as simple as possible. Straight lines and angles are geometric. Curvy and rounded lines are organic.

Lesson 2:
The next step is to take the information learned about shapes and to put it to good use. Each student is instructed to draw a variety of geometric and organic shapes on their papers. I wouldn't do more than 4 or 5 shapes total. The idea is create concentric shapes that both expand around the shape, and get smaller within the shape. Complete this until the entire paper is filled. I was nervous that kids wouldn't be able to comprehend this process, but other than a few here and there, most all were able to complete this step virtually unassisted.

Take a look!

Students were then instructed to fill in each layer of space with a different color. The end result is a fabulous, colorful, and unique design. Students have learned about geometric, organic, lines, angles, space, and color- all in one lesson! Check it out.