The unit of inquiry focuses on how the application of elements and principles determines the success of an artistic composition. Students will explore the elements and principles of various art forms and how they relate to creating and responding to artistic works. They will analyze what makes a successful composition through inquiry into line, shape, color, form, space, and other elements of design. The unit aims to develop students' confidence and risk-taking as they experiment with different artistic media and styles.

1. HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES
3 October - 16 November 2012
An inquiry into
the ways in
which we
discover and
express ideas,
feelings, nature,
culture, beliefs
and values; the
ways in which we
reflect on, extend
and enjoy our
creativity; our
appreciation of
the aesthetic.
Grade 6 Unit of Inquiry Overview
Central Idea: The application of elements and principles
determines the success of an artistic composition.
Enduring Understandings PYP Attitudes
What do we want students to remember for a lifetime? What attitudes do we want students to demonstrate?
Confidence - be confident in their ability to express
We can all be artists
themselves creatively and for a purpose in a range of
Lines of Inquiry different ways-not tried previously
What is the focus of our inquiry?
Enthusiasm - show enthusiasm for the creative process
The elements and and principles of various art by applying effort in order to achieve the best possible
forms outcome and experimenting with a range of different art
The relationship between the creation of, and forms and techniques
response to, artistic composition Learner Profile Attributes
What makes a successful artistic composition? What attributes do we want students to exemplify?
Risk-takers - be prepared to try new ideas that may or
may not prove as successful as planned
Teacher Questions
What is a ‘good’ artistic composition? Knowledgeable - through exposure to a variety of art
forms, increase their knowledge about the elements and
Can everyone be an artist?
principles and how they are applied
Concepts Related Concepts
Form - understanding the various elements and principles of Appreciation - understanding and celebrating all
design forms of art, appreciating personal creations
Perspective - recognizing there are many ways to interpret Aesthetics - appreciating the joy and beauty of
art forms and many reasons why perspectives differ various forms of art
Reflection - knowing and articulating what makes a
successful artistic composition
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2. Skills
What transdisciplinary skills will
students acquire and practise during Success Criteria for
this unit? this Unit of Inquiry
Communication Students will understand:
Viewing - responding to a range of
visual images by identifying purpose, How the application of
audience, elements and principles of elements and principles
design
determines the success
of an artistic composition
Presenting - presenting artwork in
informal settings to a variety of Students will know:
audiences for constructive feedback;
transfer new learning across a range Subject specific
of presentation forms vocabulary
The elements and
Research
principles of various
Collecting Data - collecting data from forms of art
a range of sources relevant to an
independent investigation into one
form of art
Thinking
Analysis - using subject specific
vocabulary critically analyze various
How is mathematics connected to the unit?
pieces of art in accordance with the
elements and principles of that art Analyze, describe, classify and visualize 2D and 3D shapes using
form geometric vocabulary
Apply understanding of geometric vocabulary when describing shape
and space in mathematical situations and beyond
Vocabulary
How is literacy connected to the unit?
elements gallery
principles analysis Recognize and use the elements and principles of the language arts
composition perspective Read novels, picture books and articles to appreciate the authors‘
design respond purpose and use of language
aesthetics confidence Determine how authors use words to ‘paint pictures’
Select useful reference material to conduct research
appreciation enthusiasm Identify relevant, reliable and useful information and decide how to use
artistic risk-taker it
portfolio application
How can parents help at home?
• To deepen your child’s understanding of the central idea, visit local
art galleries with your child and discuss the exhibits (including how
they are displayed) and why they are/aren’t successful
• To help your child appreciate the arts, expose him/her to a variety of
art forms from dance, music, interior design, fashion design,
magazine layouts, photography etc
• Discuss the value of the arts
• Be creative! Involve the entire family in a creative and fun art
project: a family rap, a movie trailer from your last vacation, a family
portrait, designing a family crest, learning a traditional song or
dance....
• Encourage your child to take risks, try new things, respond to your
own creation using subject specific terminology
• Share different styles of music
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