3rd Grade - First 2 Art Projects (Art meets Science & Art meets Math)

The first project we did harmonized with a Geology section the kids were having in Science. We made crayon shavings into different types of rock. First we pressed the shavings together to make sedimentary rock, then we put shavings into tin foil boats and heated them and pressed them to make metamorphic rock. We didn't have time to get to the 3rd type of rock (igneous) where we would've melted the crayon completely and swirled it together and let it cool.

The prep station at home for the crayon rock project.

The 2nd art project we did for 3rd grade was one that required measuring. That was the most challenging part for the kids. First we discussed how different lines make you feel.We discussed lines in art with them and how vertical lines convey strength and horizontal lines convey peacefulness and calmness. I drew lines on the white board and had them express what the lines made them think of and feel. Then I drew diagonal and curvy lines and got their expressions again. We talked about how diagonal and curving lines convey movement. So then they were to color diagonal stripes on a paper, then they were to cut that picture into half inch wide strips using a ruler. Then they needed to glue them to the black paper in an array. The final was to show them that their straight lines appeared to curve and move.

Step by step instructions: They start with a blank white sheet and they color diagonal stripes across it rather quickly. Then we turn them over and measure 1/2" tick marks down both vertical edges. Then they use their rulers to connect the marks, making horizontal lines across the backs from top to bottom. Then they number all the pieces and then cut them out. Then they glue the middle piece (#12) horizontally across the black paper. Then they count backwards gluing each piece from 11 through 1 with one end overlapping the previous piece and the other end a finger width out. Then they go back to piece 13 and work their way up in the opposite direction.

This is the example project I brought in.