First Grade - Unit 2 - Scientific Illustrators

John James Audubon (1785-1851)
Roseate Spoonbill from 
The Birds of America
Click on the photo to learn more about John James Audubon

In Unit 2, the first grade students learned about various jobs artists have in our community and took a deeper focus on the role of the scientific illustrator. They explored this topic and the topic of texture and pattern within the 4 parts of the unit.

Part 1:  John James Audubon - The students learned the artist John James Audubon and how he used his art to teach others about the birds found in america.  The students then created a drawing where they choose any animal they wanted to draw and were asked to create a composition to illustrate the animals habitat and what the animal eats.  

Part 2:  Texture in art using paint - The students learned how to create different textures in paint by applying the paint using different techniques such as painting with a dry brush, painting with a sponge, painting with a crumpled piece of paper and also carving into wet paint with various tools.  The students painted with yellow, blue and white paint to see again how 2 primary colors become a secondary.  

Part 3:  Sea Turtles:  The students became scientist and studied about the life and traits of sea turtles.  Next, they used this information to be scientific illustrator and create a collage of sea turtles that might help others learn more about them.  

Part 4:  Clay Turtles:  The students used their knowledge of sea turtles to create a turtle sculpture in clay.  To create the turtle, they learned about how to make a pinch pot out of clay as their shell. (Photos to come soon!)