Lesson summary
In this activity, students will consider political and environmental cartoons as an art form for communicating messages about sustainability. They will explore environmental issues that are relevant to them, document their ideas and plan their own cartoon illustration. Using watercolour techniques, students will create their own cartoon portraying a message about their chosen issue.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- understand that cartoons can be an effective art form for communicating messages
- know watercolour pencil techniques
- understand that art can portray a message or a meaning to be understood and interpreted by the audience.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- analyse and interpret meanings and messages portrayed in cartoon illustrations
- convey important messages on the topic of sustainability through their own cartoon illustration
- use watercolour drawing techniques
- evaluate the effectiveness of their artwork as a form of communication.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum content descriptions:
Year 7 & 8 Visual Arts:
- Practise techniques and processes to enhance representation of ideas in their art-making (ACAVAM121)
- Develop planning skills for art-making by exploring techniques and processes used by different artists (ACAVAM120)
Syllabus outcomes: VAS4.5, VAS4.5
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability
Relevant parts of Year 7 & 8 Visual Arts achievement standards: Students identify and analyse how other artists use visual conventions and viewpoints to communicate ideas and apply this knowledge in their art making. They plan their art making in response to exploration of techniques and processes used in their own and others’ artworks. Students demonstrate use of visual conventions, techniques and processes to communicate meaning in their artworks.
Unit of work: Creative Sustainability – Year 7 & 8 – Visual Arts.
Time required:Â 60+ mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate discussion and analysis of artworks.
Resources required
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student, device capable of presenting a video to the class
- A4 paper, artists tools including watercolour pencils, erasers, sharpeners, fine liners, brushes, water
- Watercolour Techniques Handout (printed, one per student)
- Optional:Â Art Elements and Principles Factsheet
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- Communication
- Creativity
- Empathy
- Ethical Understanding
- Global Citizenship
Additional info
Faber-Castell has long understood the importance of creativity to all people, especially to young people. It is also continuously searching for environmentally friendly processes and high-quality materials to enhance children’s creative experience throughout every development phase. For more information about Faber-Castell, click here.
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