Nature Mosaic

Materials:

• Multi-Colored 1 in- Squares (shades of warm and cool colors)
• Black Construction Paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Pencil

This lesson was about creating Nature Mosaics.We were placed in a group of 4 and we each got a quarter of the picture. Our picture was a cow. We had to use a cool color for the cow and a warm color for the background. We each made our own and then we put them together for the final project. 

Extension Activity

This would be a good opportunity to learn the history of mosaics. You could research famous works of art and the history behind them. 

Little Green

Monster Bulletin Board

Materials:

• Primary Colors in Tempera Paint (Blue, Yellow, Red)
• Large White Paper 12x16
• Shaving Cream
• Food Coloring
• Glasses of Water
• 12x16 Trays
• Ruler
• Zip-Lock Bags
• Scissors
• Glue
• Extra Scrap Paper for Arms/Legs

For this lesson we learned about the primary colors and secondary colors. For this activity we started out with the book Little Green and Little Yellow - hense the title of the lesson, Little Green. Then we introduced the other primary colors and how we made secondary colors. To show the students how colors were made we showed them by water and food coloring. We also gave them baggies and put 2 different primary colors to show how they make secondary colors. After they got the hang of mixing colors, we started the real project.

 We filled the cookie sheet up with shaving cream and put two primary paint colors with the shaving cream. We used our fingers to mix the color and then set the piece of paper onto the cookie sheet. Next you would lift the paper and scrape the remaining shaving cream off with a ruler. For the last step, the students and to cut out a monster from their paper. They had to describe their monster using 3 adjectives. For my monster he was crazy, skinny, and musical. 

Extension Activity

For an extension activity for this lesson I would incorporate writing. I would have them write a story about their monster.

Radial Symmetry Mandala

Materials:

• 11x8 1/2 White Paper
• Cardstock 8" Circle Templates
• Tape
• 3x5 Index Cards
• Ruler
• Rubber Erasers
• Pencil
• Glue
• Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers
• Scissors
• Black Sharpies
• 9x12 Construction Paper

This is Radial Symmetry Mandala. This project is symmetrical, meaning that all four sides mirror each other. To make this project, we had two circles. For the first circle, we folded it so there was four sections. We had to choose 3 symbols that defined who we were or what we liked. We could brainstorm on each quarter of the circle.  For your favorite idea you would trace with a sharpie marker. Next you take your second circle, put it on top of the the first circle, and trace the quarter of the circle that you highlighted with a sharpie. You move the circle so that you trace the same quarter on all sides of the second circle. After you have a completed symmetrical circle, you color it. 

For my Mandala, I chose a sun, eggs, and 5 rings to represent me. A sun because I like summer. Eggs because Easter is my favorite holiday. Lastly, five rings to represent the five people in my family. 

Extension Activity

This is a great project to learn about the history of the Mandala. Students could study the Buddhist culture behind the Mandala. This project will help the students understand the importance of it and why they are made.