Pumpkin Babies

Minnesota 6-8 Visual Art Standards
Used in this Lesson

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Analyze how the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space are used in the creation of, presentation of, or response to visual artworks.

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

  • 1c. Describe 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. Demonstrate the characteristics of the tools, materials and techniques of various two-and-three- dimensional media for intentional effects in original artworks.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Compare and contrast the connections among visual artworks, their purposes, and their personal, social, cultural and historical contexts, including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Analyze the meanings and functions of visual art.
  • 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 in a variety of artistic contexts.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection and artistic intent.
  • 4c. Develop an artistic statement, including how audience and occasion influence creative choices.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Assemble and prepare personal artworks for public exhibition.
  • 5b.Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others, self-reflection and artistic intent.
  • 5c. Develop an artistic intent, including how audience and occasion impact presentation choices.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations or performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Analyze and interpret a variety of visual artworks using established criteria.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Historical Thanksgiving Celebrations
  • Seasons
  • Pumpkin Anatomy
  • Cornucopia/Horn of Plenty
  • Clay Skills ("Indent and Impress", "Scratch and Attach")
  • Holiday Celebrations throughout the world
  • Catholic meaning of halloween
  • Giving Thanks
    • 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



    Evaluation:
    4 points -- 3 pumpkins made
    2 points -- Stems attached properly
    4 points -- Quality and workmanship. (extra scratched lines smoothed over, parts attached nicely...)

    10 points total.