Marching Caterpillar Fun


Minnesota K-3 Visual Art Standards Used in This Lesson:

  • 1. Identify the elements of visual art including Color, line, shape, Form, Value, texture and space.

  • 2. Identify the tools, materials and techniques from a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Identify the characteristics of visual artworks from a variety of cultures including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 4. Create original two- and three- dimensional artworks to express ideas, experiences or stories.

  • 5. Share and describe a personal artwork and reflect on a presentation based on the feedback of others.

  • 6. Compare and contrast the characteristics of a variety of works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Science: Caterpillar Anatomy
  • Paint mixing

    • Images of caterpillars are shown in class with emphasis made on the segments we can see.

    This project takes on many forms, depending on available supplies and time constraints.

    The paper plate caterpillar is done by giving each student a paper plate and some black paper strips that will be legs. The teacher demonstrates how to glue the paper legs on. Next, students get to choose the color of their segment. Students come to the teacher's station, the teacher squirts a little of the chosen color on the paper plate and students paint the plate. When the plates are dry they are hung on in the hallway attached to a paper plate head.



    Another variation is where, after the teacher shows and discusses the images of catepillars, then demonstrates how to make a caterpillar out of circle shapes. After students draw them, they are allowed to paint them various colors. Students are told to include a background too.