Major Concepts/Content: The Art 7-8 course is designed to develop essential art skills and to expand art experiences. This introduction to the elements and principles of design and art appreciation focuses on a variety of media including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking.

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will provide experience with art materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in art education programs, Students will learn to produce works of art in several media, to develop knowledge of art processes and techniques, and to understand the proper care of tools and materials. Visits to art galleries, studios, and museums will be included when feasible.

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge of the proper care and use of tools, materials, and equipment used in art. Student projects will be evaluated for originality, craftsmanship, effort, time utilization, and quality, taking into consideration individual students talent, experience, and/or limitations. Both written and oral tests will be used to evaluate knowledge of course content.

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the art 7-8 course, students should be able to:

1. Create Works of Art

• Apply the elements and principles of design to all forms of art production.
• Produce paintings using several styles.
• Produce paintings using several media.
• Utilize a variety of drawing techniques.
• Use one- and two-point perspective.
• Use a variety of methods to produce ceramic objects.
• Produce three-dimensional objects.
• Design and produce a utilitarian object.
• Produce works of art using creative crafts techniques.

2. Demonstrate Aesthetic Perception

• Understand the need for an aesthetic environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of art processes and techniques,
• Recognize the relationship of art to culture and environment.
• Distinguish between fine arts and crafts.
• Recognize that a work of art may reflect subjective feelings and ideas.

3. Develop Knowledge of Art Heritage

• Recognize a variety of historical, architectural and sculptural styles.
• Compare and discuss the differences and similarities in architecture and sculpture produced in different cultures.
• Identify works of art by several American artists who are from different ethnic backgrounds.
• Discuss the functions of art museums and galleries.
• Identify and describe art-oriented careers.
• Examine the contributions of artists in the immediate community.

4. Utilize Critical Judgment of the Visual Arts

• Verbally express opinions, ideas, and feelings about artworks,
• Explain the concept of and participate in classroom critiques.
• Explain artworks using art terminology.
• Defend the preference of one artwork over another.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005