3-D SNOWMAN STORIES – Form, Balance, Texture

Students use Model Magic to create a 3-D snowman sculpture that includes one other figure, and then use the scene they have created as inspiration for a story.

Required Time

80 Minutes

Grade Level

Grade 3 to Grade 6

Subject

Language Arts
Visual Arts

Vocabulary

armature balance form symmetry texture

Materials

Crayola Model Magic Crayola Glitter Glue Crayola Scissors Bamboo Skewers Aluminum Foil Cardboard or Foam Core Board - about 12.7 cm x 17.7 cm (5" x 7")

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Steps

3-D SNOWMAN STORIES – Form, Balance, Texture - Step One

Step One

  1. Make 3 aluminum foil balls for the body of the snowman.
  2. They should be about the size of a clementine orange.
3-D SNOWMAN STORIES – Form, Balance, Texture - Step Two

Step Two

  1. Stack the 3 foil balls on top of each other.
  2. Insert a bamboo skewer into the centre of the foil balls to hold them together.
  3. Make sure the skewer goes down through each foil ball until it gets to the bottom.
  4. Use scissors to cut the bamboo skewer to size.
3-D SNOWMAN STORIES – Form, Balance, Texture - Step Three

Step Three

  1. Cover the foil balls with a thin layer of Model Magic.
  2. Press the Model Magic into the foil to be sure it sticks.
3-D SNOWMAN STORIES – Form, Balance, Texture - Step Four

Step Four

  1. Press the snowman onto the cardboard base.
  2. Use Model Magic to attach it.
  3. Spread Model Magic on the base for snow.
  4. Add details with different colours of Model Magic.
3-D SNOWMAN STORIES – Form, Balance, Texture - Step Five

Step Five

  1. Add another figure to the scene.
  2. Add contrasting details to the figures.
  3. Allow the sculpture to dry for about 3 days.
  4. When it is dry, spread glitter glue over the snow parts of the sculpture.

Learning Goals

Students will be able to:

  • create a 3-D snowman sculpture that includes one other figure;
  • use contrast and detail to add interest to the sculpture;
  • make up and tell a story using the scene they have created as inspiration; 
  • write a story inspired by the scene they have created; 
  • demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity.

Extensions

Have students:

  • use the Graphic Story lesson plan available on this website to create a graphic story featuring the characters from their sculpture;
  • work with others to create a display of the sculptures and graphic stories;
  • invite other classes to view and discuss the works in the display.

Prepare

  1. Gather and make available, books about snowmen and winter such as, Sneezy the Snowman, by Maureen Wright, and Stephen Gilpin; The Magic of Friendship Snow, by Andi Cann; Animals in Winter, by Henrietta Bancroft, and Helen K. Davie; The Biggest Snowman Ever, by Steven Kroll, and Jeni Bassett; All You Need for a Snowman, by Alice Schertle, and Barbara Lavallee; and Snow Is Falling, by Dr. Franklyn M. Branley, and Holly Keller.
  2. Download and display the Form, Texture and Balance posters available on this website.
    - review or teach the element of form – a 3-dimensional object
    - review or teach the element of texture – the way a surface feels or looks as if it feels to the touch
    - review or teach the principle of balance – the arrangement of elements so that they seem equal in weight or importance
  3. Pre-cut the cardboard - enough for 1 per student.
  4. Gather some small twigs and sticks.
  5. Teach/review characteristics of good stories, for example,
    ​- hook at beginning
    - main character who must achieve a goal
    - a problem to be solved
    - a satisfying solution
  6. Place students into small groups so they can share the Model Magic.

Introduction

  1. Conduct a read-aloud with a story such as All You Need for a Snowman, by Alice Schertle, and Barbara Lavallee.
  2. Discuss students' experiences making things with snow, and how to make a snowman.
  3. Ask students to think about what details they would include if they were making a snowman.
  4. Introduce the challenge.

Activities

The Challenge

  1. Create a 3-D snowman sculpture that includes one other figure.
  2. Use contrast and detail to add interest to the sculpture.
  3. Make up and tell a story using the scene you have created as inspiration. 
  4. Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity.

The Process

  1. Ensure that students understand the challenge.
  2. Establish success criteria with your students, for example,
    I know I am successful when I have:
    - used my own ideas to make my snowman sculpture
    - made another figure to be with my snowman
    - placed the figures in a balanced composition
    - used contrast to make my sculpture interesting - such as colours and sizes of objects
    - added details to make my sculpture interesting - such as different textures
    - made up a story inspired by my sculpture
    - told my story to others
    - kept the work in good condition
  3. Guide students through the steps outlined in the lesson plan.
  4. Observe students as they work.
  5. Provide individual assistance and encouragement.

Sharing

  1. Place students into partners or triads. Provide time for students to share their sculptures with each other and to make up stories together.
  2. Gather the class as a whole. Ask students to share:
    - their stories;
    - how the details help tell the story;
    - what they like best about their sculptures.
  3. Display all the sculptures in the classroom.
  4. Encourage students to view the sculptures and notice how they are the same, and how they are different.

Assessment

  1. Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting.
  2. Observe students as they discuss their artworks – speaks with a clear voice, looks at audience while speaking, holds sculpture to the side, provides accurate information, answers questions from the audience effectively.
  3. Observe students as they listen – looks at presenter, asks effective questions, supports ideas with evidence found in the artwork.
  4. Use a checklist to track progress. (Downloads - SnowmanStories_tracking.pdf)
  5. Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Downloads - SnowmanStoryPrimary_self-assessment.pdf or SnowmanStory_self-assessment.pdf )

 

Downloads

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