Hello! For this entry I would like to share with you a lesson that I taught
to my 3D Design II class, but it could easily be taught in 9th – 12th
grade. The project is Soap Sculptures! This is a tiered lesson that is an
excellent form of differentiated instruction because it provides students with
multiple ways to meet the objectives based on the students’ interests and
learning needs. Students can challenge themselves based on the word they
choose, and or how they design and create the sculpture.
Objective: To explore subtractive
sculpture techniques in the design and creation of a sculpture in the round
using a word from the dictionary as the sculpture’s subject.
Essential Question: How
can I interpret a word to create a sculpture in the round using subtractive
sculpture techniques?
Time Frame: 7 - 10 forty-two
minute classes.
Assessment: This project is formally
assessed with a rubric using the following criteria: Design and Composition,
Creativity, Utilization of Techniques, and Craftsmanship. Presentation.
Each criteria is worth 25 points for a total of 100 points. I also
informally assess students each day as I circulate around the room to provide
feedback.
Materials: Bars of Soap, butter
knives, index cards, T-Pins, clay carving tools, ribbon tools, water/bowls,
needle tools, scissors, Dictionary pages.
Sequence of Action:
1). As students enter the room, pass out pages of the dictionary to
students at random. Direct students to highlight or circle 3 – 5 words that
interest them.
2). Have students pair and share with a partner to discuss the words
they picked; have them explain to their partner why they chose these words and not
others.
3). Introduce project by passing out project outline sheet.
Demonstrate how to sketch ideas for project, showing a concrete idea and an
abstract idea. Direct students to create a minimum of 2 sketches in their
sketchbook using the words from their randomly assigned dictionary page as
inspiration for the sculptures subject. Students can create 2 sketches with 2
words, or 2 sketches with 1 word shown in 2 different ways. Students work hands
on sketches while teacher circulates to coach students in small groups and one
on one.
4). Demonstrate how to create
a template to use to transfer their sketch to the soap. Demonstrate by placing
bar of soap on index card and tracing around the soap. Revise the shape and add
details to sculpture by drawing inside the soap tracing. Cut out template with
scissors. Place template on top of soap and use a T-Pin to transfer the design
using a “Connect the Dots” approach. Students work hands on to create templates
and transfer template designs to soap. (1-2 days)
5). Demonstrate how to carve
basic shape of soap by using a butter knife and larger clay tools. Stress that
students should work gently and cautiously so they do not split or fracture
their soap. Also stress that students should be looking at the sculpture from
360 degrees. Students work hands on to cut out basic shape of soap sculpture
while teacher circulates around the room to coach students. (1-2 days)
6). Demonstrate how to add
fine details using clay carving tools. Stress that students should continue to
look at the sculpture from 360 degrees and that they should also continue to
work cautiously as they carve. Students may also use water to smooth out rough
edges or attach pieces using scoring techniques, similar to clay. Students work
on adding fine details and textures to soap while teacher circulates around the
room to coach students. (2-3days)
7). Have students write dictionary word and its definition on an
index card. Place sculpture and index card together for Praise, Prompt, and
Polish critique. After critique, students will work hands on to put finishing
touches onto sculpture and turn in for assessment. (1-2 days)
8). Assess sculptures.
Type up words and their definitions. Put sculptures on display with
words/definitions.
Tips:
·
Ask your school librarian
for an old dictionary. Pre-view and scan pages (front and back) and cut out
pages with a good variety of words. I
find that this project was successful because I used an actual page from a
dictionary and I did not just allow them to pick their own word at random, it
makes the project more enchanting. Additionally, this provides for part of the
tiering of this assignment. Students could choose nouns, verbs, adjectives, or
adverbs based on the learning needs and interest. I find if you think a student
isn’t challenging him or herself, encourage he or she to try something more
difficult.
·
Use flat bars of soap.
Curved bars of soap like Dove were much more difficult and slippery to work
with because of the curve in the soap’s shape. I purchased bars of soap at the
Dollar Store in packs of 3 for a $1.00.
·
Try to choose soaps with light
scents, as the room will quickly begin to smell like soap. You may work on these outside if you are able
to.
·
Soap shavings are
incredibly sticky! Have students work on top of newspaper when working; have a
few good scrapers on hands to help remove stuck on soap from tables. Soap
cleans up best when dry, not wet.
·
When you display these
sculptures, include the student’s chosen word next to the sculpture to help
viewer’s understand the soap’s subject.
·
Soap can be extremely
tricky to carve; emphasize slow and steady with gentle pressure as students
work.
·
To store soap sculptures
in between classes, line a few copy box lids with scrunched up tissue paper to
create a cushion.
Working on this project was a lot of
fun! Students were mesmerized by the idea of using soap as a sculpture medium. Caution:
this project is much more difficult than you may expect! Although it does have
some obstacles to overcome in terms of figuring out what the medium can and can’t
do, it is significantly cheaper than many of the sculpture blocks and clays
found in art supply catalogs. Additionally, it is something that can also be
done at home, as supplies needed are generally very basic, so students who
enjoy this project could make more sculptures at home for fun.
Thanks for reading!