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Grade 6 Unit of Inquiry OverviewCentral Idea: The application of elements and principles determines the success of an artistic composition.

HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

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Enduring UnderstandingsWhat do we want students to remember for a lifetime?

We can all be artists

Lines of InquiryWhat is the focus of our inquiry?

The application of the elements and

principles The relationship between the creation of,

and response to, artistic composition

What makes a successful artistic

composition

PYP AttitudesWhat attitudes do we want students to demonstrate?

Confidence - be confident in their ability to express themselves creatively and for a purpose

Enthusiasm - show enthusiasm for the creative process and applying effort into their artistic composition

Learner Profile AttributesWhat attributes do we want students to exemplify?

Risk-takers - be brave and articulate in defending and their artistic choices

Knowledgeable - through exposure to a variety of art forms, e.g. dance, music, web design etc., increase their knowledge about the elements and principles of various art forms and then use that knowledge to create and showcase a successful artistic composition of their own creation.

Teacher Questions

When is art ʻgoodʼ artistic composition?

Can everyone be an artist?

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How can parents help at home?

To deepen your childʼs understanding of the unitʼs central idea, visit local (or global) art galleries with your child and discuss the exhibits (including how they are displayed) and why they are/arenʼt successful pieces. To help your child appreciate the arts, expose him/her to a variety of art forms from dance, music, interior design, fashion design, magazine layouts, photography etc. Discuss the importance of the arts and why it should be valued.Be creative! Involve the entire family in a creative and fun art project. Some ideas include making a family rap, a movie trailer from your last vacation, a family portrait, designing a family crest, learning a traditional song or dance....

SkillsWhat transdisciplinary skills will students acquire and practise during this unit?

CommunicationViewing - successfully Identify purpose, audience, elements and principles of design in various art forms

Presenting - present artwork in informal settings to a variety of audiences for constructive feedback

ResearchFormulating questions - maintain a Process Journal to record their learning journey through the arts

ThinkingAnalysis - critically analyze various art forms in accordance to the elements and principles evident in each work

Synthesis - create a work of art that encompasses the principles and elements of their chosen form of art

TechnologyInvestigating - inquire about the techniques and procedures involved in creating various forms of art

Creating - use various computer applications to create a variety of art compositions (GarageBand, Photoshop, iMovie, Keynote etc.)

Success Criteria for this Unit of Inquiry Students will understand that:

The application of elements and principles determine the success of an artistic composition

The principles remain constant, regardless of the art form; elements are particular to each art form

Students will know:

Subject specific vocabulary

The elements and principles of various forms of art

Key ConceptsFunction - Understanding how to apply the elements and principles of design

Connection - Understanding the relationship between the creation of, and response to artistic composition

Reflection - Knowing what makes a successful artistic composition

Related ConceptsAppreciation - understanding and celebrating works of art

Aesthetics - appreciating the joy and beauty of various forms of art