This document outlines standards and guidelines for a 6th grade art unit on Buddhism and sacred mandalas. It includes applicable standards for visual arts, history, and math. It provides videos and materials for creating mandalas, including a process outline. Resources for additional learning are also listed.

1. STANDARDS
VAPA Standards 6th Grade (applicable to this unit)
Artistic Perception
1.1 Identify and describe all the elements of art found in selected works of
art (e.g., color, shape / form, line, texture, shape, value)
1.4 Describe how balance is effectively used in a work of art (e.g.,
symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial)
Creative Expression
2.4 Create increasingly complex original works of art reflecting personal
choices and increased technical skill
Historical and Cultural Context
3.2 View selected works of art from a culture and describe how they have
changed or not change d in theme and content over a period of time
Aesthetic Valuing
4.2 Identify and describe ways in which culture is being reflected in current
works of art
History Standards for 6th Grade (applicable to this unit)
History
6.5 Students analyze the geographic, political, economic, religious, and social
structures of the early civilizations of India
5. Know the life and moral teachings of Buddha and how
Buddhism spread in India, Ceylon, and Central Asia
6. Describe the growth of the Maurya empire and the political and
moral achievements of the emperor Asoka
7. Discuss important aesthetic and intellectual traditions (e.g.,
Sanskrit literature, medicine, and mathematics, including
Hindu-Arabic numerals and the zero)
Math Standards for 6th Grade (applicable to this unit)
The CCSS do not appear to have specific math standards that relate directly
to this project. This project, however, relies heavily upon geometry, circles,
and the usage of line and rulers. Applying your unique knowledge of the
Math standards will most likely yield more nuanced connections.
VIDEOS
Buddhist Monks making a
Mandala: https://goo.gl/FGIDc5
Kung Fu Panda demonstrating
Buddhist principles:
https://goo.gl/zJKXQ2
ART MATERIALS
1. 12” x 12” white paper
2. Compass
3. Pencil
4. Rulers
5. Erasers
6. Black permanent markers
7. Scissors
8. Colored markers (substitute crayons or colored pencils)
PROCESS
1. Introduce Buddhism and principles of Buddhism
2. Identify Buddhist and Buddhist worship
3. Show Kung Fu Panda clip with Buddhist principle
4. Identify and define Mandala
5. Show time lapse video of Buddhist making Mandala
6. Define project
7. Show exemplars
8. Go through the process of beginning a geometric man-
dala with students (steps
20-31 on presentation)
9. Outline how students can
edit the Mandala to make
work their own
RESOURCES
1. Companion Guide to Buddhism and Sacred Mandalas
http://goo.gl/7kGDe1
6th
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
1. Pinterest: MS Art Projects 2. Slideshare account
https://goo.gl/7CF0JU http://goo.gl/HTQ4Yg
3. YouTube channel 4. Art Education blog
https://goo.gl/NwgK88 www.artfulartsyamy.com