This STEAM lesson integrates art and science through the process of paper marbling. Such paper can be used in many paper-based art projects such as silhouettes and collages.

1. The Art and Science of Paper Marbling
Grade Level Middle and High School
National Anchor
Standard
Create: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work
Enduring Idea Artists experiment with forms, structures,materials, concepts,media, and art
making approaches.
Essential Question How do artists learn from trial and error?
Pre-Test Activity Show students and discuss examples of artworks made using marbled paper.
Ask what characteristics are shared by artworks made using marbled paper.
Measurable Objectives(s) After students demonstrate an understanding ofthe process of creating
marbled paper, each student will (a) successfully use selected media and
tools to (b) create a collage cut from paper that incorporates effective use of
the surface patterns of marbled paper.
Motivation Tell students that today they will be experimenting with making their own
marbled paper and using it in a silhouetted collage to create a mixed media
artwork. Demonstrate all procedures for marbling paper and creating a
silhouette. Assign a big idea or theme to be depicted in students’silhouettes.
Resources & Materials The Art and Science of Paper Marbling,
http://www.slideshare.net/nwalkup/art-science-of-paper-marbling-35927411
Art 21: Kara Walker, http://www.art21.org/artists/kara-walker
Beatrice Coron, http://www.beatricecoron.com/
Beatrice Coron, TED Talk, https://www.ted.com/speakers/beatrice_coron.
 Shallow plastic trays, large enough to hold 12” x 18” paper
 Heavy white drawing paper, 12” x 18”
 Black construction paper, 12” x 18”
 Prang FREART Colored Chalk, set of 12 (large diameter chalk, like
sidewalk chalk but with much brighter colors)
 Pencils
 Rulers
 Scissors
 Glue
 Newspapers or drying rack
 Access to at least one sink

2. Vocabulary Paper marbling is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce
patterns similar to marble or other stone.The patterns are the result of color
floated on either plain water or a viscous solution known as size, and then
carefully transferred to an absorbent surface, such as paper or fabric.
Through several centuries, people have applied marbled materials to a variety
of surfaces. Part of its appeal is that each print is a unique monotype.
Surface Tension is the property of the surface of a liquid that allows it to
resist and external force. This property is caused by the cohesion of similar
molecules and is responsible for many of the behaviors of liquids. One
example of this is an insect that appears to walk upon the surface of the
water, rather than sink. Paper marbling works because the particles of
colored chalk are not heavy enough the break the surface tension of the
water. The chalk dust floats because it is lighter.
A silhouette is a dark shape or image, usually black, outlined against a lighter
background. The silhouette differs from an outline, which depicts the edge of
an object in a linear form, while a silhouette appears as a solid shape.
Silhouette images may be created in any visual artistic media, but the term
was first used to describe pieces of cut paper, which were backed in a
contrasting color.
Cutting portraits, generally in profile, from black card became popular in the
mid-18th century, though the term silhouette was seldom used until the early
decades of the 19th century,and the tradition has continued under this name
into the 21st century. They represented a cheap but effective alternative to
the portrait miniature.
A contemporary artist best known for her use of the silhouette is Kara
Walker, an African American contemporary artist and painter who explores
race, gender, sexuality, violence and identity in her work. The Art 21 website
has extensive information and videos on Kara Walker at
http://www.art21.org/artists/kara-walker. Anothercontemporary paper cut
artist, Beatrice Coron, http://www.beatricecoron.com/, has a TED Talk about
her work you can view at https://www.ted.com/speakers/beatrice_coron.
Activity Sequence Set up a marbling station with the tray set into a large sink. Add water to a
depth of ½-1 inch. After students have demonstrated an understanding of the
paper marbling process, begin the hands-on lesson.
1. Distribute white drawing paper, black construction paper, pencils,
rulers, and scissors. Have students write their names in the corner of
each paper. Explain that while students will be taking turns to

3. marble their paper, they will be working on their silhouettes while
waiting to marble and/or when they finish the marbling process.
Encourage students to sketch out ideas for their silhouettes before
they start cutting them out.
2. In turn, students workin pairs to help each other with the marbling
process.One at a time, students choose three compatible colors of
chalk and use the edge of a ruler or the edge of an open pair of
scissors to very lightly scrape chalk dust over the water, trying to
evenly scrape it all over the surface of the water. A pencil or wide-
tooth comb can be used to gently create a flowing pattern in the
chalk.
3. Next, the student should hold a piece of paper from the ends in a U
shape,lowering it until the center of the paper just touches the
water, and then dropping it completely.
4. The student should quickly lift the paper from one end and hold it
over the water to drain.
5. Place the wet paper on a drying rack or sheets of newspaperto dry.
Once the papers are dry, they can be flattened under some heavy
books.
6. Students draw and cut out their silhouettes and glue them on the
marbled paper once it is dry and flattened.
SuggestedGuidelines for Differentiated Instruction
Challenged Students Students on Target Students Above Target
Content (Readiness) Teacher provides a
limited number of
concepts
Teacher provides most
or all concepts
Teacher provides an in-depth
study that goes beyond the
fundamental concepts oftarget
Process (Interest) Teacher provides direct
instruction for each step
of the process; utilizes
small group instruction
Teacher models what is
expected; offers
opportunities for
individual and group
investigations
Teacher provides minimal or
complex instruction; offers
independent work
Product (Evaluation) Teacher accepts a
group-made product and
expects limited
contributions to oral
discussions
Teacher accepts a
group-made or
individual product (as
lesson requires) and
requires logical
contributions to oral
discussions that
incorporate concepts of
civil discourse
Teacher accepts a group-made or
individual product (as lesson
requires) and requires leadership
with logical contributions that
stimulate thought and civil
conversation with others
Assessment Rubric
Below On Target Above Target
Media and Tools Demonstrates a lack of
accomplishment through
poor craftsmanship
Demonstrates
accomplishment through
craftsmanship directly
Demonstrates
exceptional
accomplishment and

4. directly unrelated to
ability level; outcome
shows careless use of
media and tools
related to ability level;
outcome shows care and
use of media and tools
has been generally well
attended
artistry through a high
level of craftsmanship
directly related to ability
level; outcome shows
unhurried and careful
use of media and tools
Patterning Lacks patterning or
contrasting colors in the
marbled paper
Demonstrates patterning
and contrasting colors in
the marbled paper
Demonstrates
originality, and
significant patterns and
colors in the marbled
paper
Silhouette Concept Does not demonstrate a
connection between the
content,media, and
composition
Demonstrates some
connection between the
content,media, and
composition
Demonstrates
exceptional success
through an artwork that
shows a meaningful
connection between the
content,media, and
composition

5. Student Checklist Student Name _
Yes No
I produced a marbled paper that
shows intense color, the use of
three colors, and an even
distribution of color and pattern.
I created a silhouette with a
specific concept in mind.
I drew an elaborate silhouette
with lots of fine detail.
I used care when cutting out my
silhouette.
My final silhouette collage is
carefully glued together.
Student Reflection
How did you use trial and error to create a silhouette collage using marbled paper?
What is the intended meaning of your silhouette collage?