Australian Clay Masks

Fifth graders looked at Aboriginal (Native Australian) art and discovered some key characteristics of Australian Art.  We learned about Aboriginal dot paintings and x-ray paintings.  Aborigines use dots to create implied lines and pictures.  X-ray paintings are often found on cave walls. These paintings show both the outside and the inside (bones and internal organs) of the animal at the same time.  Bones are typically symbolized using white lines.  Fifth graders used this information as a guide for their mask making.

Learning Goals: I can...
- Describe major characteristics of Aboriginal Art (dot painting and x-ray painting)
- Describe the process for making a mask using a slab and mold
- Use symmetry to balance color
- Use dot and x-ray painting techniques

Boomerangs

Kindergarteners learned about Australian boomerangs.  Did you know there are two different kinds of boomerangs? The most widely known boomerang is the "V" shaped boomerang. This boomerang is a toy that comes back to you when you throw it (if you are good at it). The "L" shaped boomerang is the more useful boomerang.  This boomerang was used by the Aborigines (Native Australians) for hunting!

We also looked at Aboriginal artwork and noticed that it was created using dots.  We added dotted lines around our boomerangs to remind us of Australian dot painting!

Learning Goals: I can...
- Talk about Australian boomerangs
- Blend watercolor paint
- Create a dot painting
- Use materials appropriately

Australian Lizards

This year our art department's cultural focus area is Australia. Third graders created Australian inspired art.  We looked at Aboriginal (Native Australian) art and discovered some key characteristics of Australian Art.  We learned about Aboriginal dot paintings and x-ray paintings.  Aboriginees use dots to create implied lines and pictures.  X-ray paintings are often found on cave walls. These paintings show both the outside and the inside of the the animal at the same time. We used printmaking techniques to print shapes onto our lizards using neon paint.  We finished our designs with dots using short dowel rods! 

Learning Goals: The learner will...
- describe key characteristics of Aboriginal art
- use x-ray painting concepts
- create a dot painting that emphasizes line
- develop fine motor skills and techniques required for printing shapes

Australian Kangaroos

Fourth graders created Australian inspired art.  We looked at Aboriginal (Native Australian) art and discovered some key characteristics of Australian Art.  We learned about Aboriginal dot paintings and x-ray paintings.  Aborigines use dots to create implied lines and pictures.  X-ray paintings are often found on cave walls. These paintings show both the outside and the inside (bones and internal organs) of the animal at the same time.  We combined these practices with one of Australia's most famous marsupials the kangaroo! 

During work time we read an Aboriginal folktale about how the kangaroo got its pouch as well as non-fiction information about the kangaroo. This was a great project that was a lot of fun!

Learning Goals: The learner will...
- describe key characteristics of Aboriginal art
- create an x-ray painting
- create a color balanced dot painting
- develop fine motor skills and techniques required for painting smooth lines