Goal (Terminal Objective):

Students will be introduced to medallions, what they represent, and how they are used. Natural and man­made impressions will be used to explore a variety of media, techniques, and processes.

Objective:

Students will apply the technique of making impressions into clay using man­made and natural objects.

National Standards:

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard 1: Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard 3: Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas

Visual Arts Grades Content Standard 4: Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures (Social Studies Cross Curriculum Connection)

Purpose:

Students will create medallions of clay from impressions of natural and man­made objects.

New Vocabulary: 

medallion, man­made objects, natural objects, impressions

Materials: 

Sea shells, rubber stamps, drinking straws, cording, and plastic beads.

#22­2003 SargentSculpt-It! White Re-sealable Tub

#25-2399 Metallic Acrylic Paint

Time:

2 hours

Introduction and Motivation (Set):

Students will create their own medallion similar to the Olympic medals.

Instruction:

1. Introduce medallions by showing students examples and explaining their purpose. Explain the difference between man­made and natural objects. Show students several examples of natural objects such as seashells that will make impressions. Stamp several examples of each.A medallion is a piece of metal, usually carved or engraved; circular (like a coin) and large, that is used as a work of art, souvenir, medal, or worn on the body as a special symbol or as a fashion accessory on a necklace (see pendant).
   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medallion
2. Distribute clay and have students practice rolling clay into a 1” ball.
   
3. Allow students to practice making impressions with sea shells or rubber stamps. Students love this and will do it over and over again!
4. Demonstrate flattening the clay, making an impression, and punching a hole for the twine.
   
5. Let the clay dry for an hour.
6. Show students how to paint their medallions always washing their brush with each color change.
   
7. Allow paint to dry.
8. String medallions with cording and beads.
   

Activities:

(1) Guided Practice:

1. Practice making round clay balls.
2. Practice making impressions.
3. Shaping medallion, making impression and piercing clay for cording without hurting design.
4. Painting medallions and stringing beads and medallions.

(2) Independent Practice and Check for Understanding: Students understand the terms textures, impressions, and medallions.

(3)Closure: Students will successfully complete a textural medallion.

Evaluation:

Level One – Student fully understands the meaning of the word medallion and its purpose. They created their own medallion mastering the technical skill of manipulating clay. They were successful in making any impression in the clay and piercing a hole without disturbing their impression. Advanced painting skills were demonstrated with a strong color choice.

Level Two – ­­ Student fully understands the meaning of the word medallion and its purpose. Student was able to make an impression into the clay but the hole for the cording disturbed the impression somewhat. Painting skills were completed and the color choice was strong.

Level Three – ­­ Student understands the concept of a medallion but is not sure of the usage. Student was able to manipulate the clay into a medallion shape. The impression is off­centered and the hole for the cording is not in the correct place.

Level Four – ­­ Student knows what a medallion is but does not understand the concept. Student poorly manipulates the clay into a medallion shape. A very shallow impression is made and the hole for the cording interferes with the impression. Extremely poor quality of painting is demonstrated.

Extension: 

Bling of Beijing! Have the students make their own Olympic medallions using Sargent Sculpt It air dry clay and Metallic acrylic paints.

Resources:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medallion
http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/olymphlx/answer.htm
http://en.beijing2008.cn/67/83/article214028367.shtml