Fabulous Fluttering Flowers


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Describe the personal, social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence the creation of visual artworks including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Select and assemble artworks for a personal portfolio.
  • 5b. Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations and performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Business Partnerships
  • Recycling
  • Art Element: Color
  • Art Principle: Pattern/repetition

    • Minnesota Rubber and Plastics produces, among many things, rubber handles for medical and surgical equipment.

    Using waste items from Minnesota Rubber, students will make small flowers that can blow in the wind.

    Students start out using their blending skills from a previous lesson to make a blue to white gradient on their paper.

    As the gradient dries, the teacher demonstrates how to use the brush to quickly make sprigs of grass with green paint. After which students draw a line up the paper for a flower stem and add a couple leaves if they want.

    Next students cut out 8 flower petals from old wallpaper sample books, fold them in half the long way and glue them to the rubber flower center. Petals should be about 1.5 inches by .75 inches. (Template sheet here.)

    When the glue and paint is dry a small hole is punched into the paper at the top of the flower stem and the flower is stuck into it and glued in place.

    The Atwater Elementary Art Department is very grateful for the generous donation Minnesota Rubber has made for these fun projects!