Pumpkin Babies


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

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Historical Thanksgiving Celebrations
  • Seasons
  • Pumpkin Anatomy
  • Cornucopia/Horn of Plenty
  • Clay Skills ("Indent and Impress", "Scratch and Attach")

    • This lesson teaches students how to easily make small decorative pumpkins for their fall table. Each student makes three small pumpkins in clay, then after firing, students will paint them.

    The teacher demonstrates how to make small lumps of clay into balls, then add sections to the pumpkins with toothpicks. A stem is added as a final touch.

    Instructions:
    1. Put Name on paper placemat
    2. Pull off a small piece of clay to use for the stems
    3. Make 3 different sized balls of clay
    4. Dent tops
    5. Scratch Dented Part
    6. Segments
    7. Cone stem and scratch bottom of stems
    8. Dab of water on scratched part of stem
    9. Attach stems
    10. Initials on bottom
    11. Set on placemat to dry





    Click here to see some scary pumpkins that could be made for halloween.