Subject+-+Art+(Project+4)

= Subject: Ar**t (Lee Ikimis)** =

=== o Students will use Google Sketch Up to create a model of their own ideal school building, based on their real school. To begin this project, students will be assigned to groups; and each group will receive a digital camera. Each group will be responsible for photographing a different section of the school. The pictures will be uploaded to the teacher’s demonstration computer and as a class, students will review the photographs and create a list of a requirements that all schools must have in order to meet the needs of students. This core list will be required for each student’s design. === === The students will then meet in a computer lab, where the teacher will demonstrate how to use the basic tools of Google Sketch Up. Each student will be able to follow along on their own computer and perform the techniques that the teacher is demonstrating, including how to rotate, zoom, and add objects. Students will be given a “cheat sheet” of the most basic techniques to refer back to. Together, the class will create a simple model of a building together so that the students are prepared to work on their own. === === Finally, the students will begin to create their own ideal school building. Since Google Sketch Up has thousands of already created graphics, students will not need any advanced knowledge in three-dimensional design in order to be successful at this activity. Even students with limited art skills in the traditional sense will be able to create realistic buildings. The schools can be as basic or as complex as the student creating them is capable of. ===

** Supporting Research: **
=== o In the article, //An International Comparison of the Effect of Using Computer Manipulatives on Middle Grades Student’ Understanding of Three Dimensional Buildings,// the authors find that the use of mental rotation programs like Google Sketch Up “may improve spatial ability,” which is important both in creating art and in mathematics. Experience with tasks that require three-dimensional rotation and visualization is especially important for girls who tend to lag behind boys when tested. === ===La Ferla, Vivian. (2009) An International Comparison of the Effect of Using Computer Manipulatives on Middle Grades Student’ Understanding of Three Dimensional Buildings//. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Technology in Mathematics Teaching.// Retrieved from: http://www.ictmt9.org/files/contributors/09d00c30c7edead5705053ffe0d4a67f/LP_laferla.pdf===

=== o In the article, //The New Literacies,// Susan Patrick, president of the North American Council for Online Learning, is quoted as saying that online learning is not something to be taught separately. She believes that “such learning [should be] weaved into classrooms. Successful navigation of the web (in this case to gather digital materials for the art project) is a critical aspect of 21st Century Skills. ===

=== o **NI:** This activity is new and innovative while utilizing some tried and true techniques. Taking photographs is tried and true and building three-dimensional structures (with paper, clay, food, etc.) is common around this age. Using Google Sketch Up is new and innovative. Using this program allows students to create in 3D while also gaining experience using computer techniques like rotation, zooming, and more. Students who have a tough time translating their ideas into physical art will enjoy seeing their art realized in a way that they might not typically be able to create. ===