RADIAL WEAVINGS

Unit Overview

Big Idea: Functionality

Content Statement: Students will learn that art making can produces functional objects in addition to decorative objects.

Objectives/Expected Learner Outcomes

Students will demonstrate an understanding of functional art (“form follows function”) with weaving as an example. They will learn what a loom, warp and weft are and the different roles they play in a weaving. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of radial symmetry in their weavings.

Standards of Education

5.2 The student will execute and complete works of art with attention to detail and craftsmanship.

5.15 The student will describe how artists contribute to society.

Student Group Targeted

5th grade

Time Required

4, 40 minute sessions

Lesson 1

Materials and Resources- paper plate looms, weft yarn, resources: images of Navajo weavings/looms

Itinerary and Instructional Strategies

Key Terms

1. weaving

2. functional

3. warp

4. weft

5. loom

Discussion/Questioning Strategies

What is a weaving? What types of weavings do we see in everyday life? How is weaving an art making practice that produces functional works of art? Why should we make functional works of art?

Demonstration

Explain to students the different parts of a weaving- loom, warp and weft (we ¬we¬¬ave the weft). Next show the students, step by step, process of setting up their looms, having everyone mirror each step before moving on.

Student Independent Practice

Student will follow along, step-by-step, to string their looms.

Closure

Clean up. If extra time occurs, students will answer critical thinking questions (on tables).

Time Flow

10 minutes- Discussion/Questioning Strategies

25 minutes- Student Independent Practice

5 minutes- Closure

Evaluation Strategies

- Before moving from discussion to independent practice, student will be asked questions reviews concepts, vocabulary and assignment.

- Students will review critical thinking strategies on tables after clean up.

- Students should demonstrate in their work:

- An understanding of the different components of a weaving, including- loom, warp and weft.

- An understanding of how to set up a circular loom.

Lesson 2

Materials and Resources- paper plate looms, weft yarn, resources: example weavings

Itinerary and Instructional Strategies

Key Terms

1. weaving

2. warp

3. weft

4. loom

5. radial symmetry

6. opposites

7. “over, under, over, under…”

Discussion/Questioning Strategies

What is symmetry? Radial symmetry? What are some examples of radial symmetry we find in our lives, in nature, etc.? How do we weave? Why are opposites an important part of weaving.