SUBJECT: Visual Arts GRADE LEVEL: 6

STANDARD AND GRADE LEVEL INDICATOR: Connect selected ideas, concepts and
processes used in visual art with those used in other academic disciplines.
LESSON NAME: Landscape Layers
TIME: 60 minutes
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the lesson, students will create a piece of art by
applying specific elements and principles of art and design to illustrate knowledge of
geological horizon layers.
PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE/SKILL: Knowledge of principles and elements of art and
design from previous art classes, and knowledge of soil formation and horizons described in
science textbook.
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:
Introduction to James Hutton and his ideas on soil formation
Share images of John Clerks etchings and drawings for James Huttons Theory of the
Earth on projector
Explain Landscape Layers assignment and hand out directions with expectations
Give students handout on soil horizons
Review relevant art and design elements
Demonstrate on whiteboard how to draw the landscape layers and examples of
different applications of line, texture, shape, balance and proportion.
Facilitate individual work

Differentiation:
Low-Performing
Show completed student examples and allow for questioning/discussion.
ELL
Nonlinguistic representation-handouts (soil and assignment instructions) will include
pictures/drawings of the vocabulary words and associated steps involved.
Gifted
Enrichment activity-focus on accuracy of soil horizon components and position while
integrating ideas of composition, movement and harmony.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
Use geology handout and assignment directions for reference
Work individually to create drawing

Differentiation:
Low-Performing
Use objective checklist to ensure aspects of assignment are completed and all
aspects can be visualized in provided time frame.
ELL
Refer to visual representations for clarification and understanding of instructions and
vocabulary.
Gifted
Follow enrichment guidelines while completing assignment.
MATERIALS:
12x18 white drawing paper
Pencils
Erasers
Black permanent markers
Colored pencils
Computer and projector
Soil horizons handout
Assignment directions handout

Differentiation:
Low-Performing
Objective checklist
Completed student examples
ELL
Bilingual dictionary
Gifted
Science textbook
Enrichment handout

ASSESSMENT:
Students will score themselves on assignment grade sheet, teacher will score student
alongside after assignment and grade sheet turned in.

Differentiation:
Low-Performing
Informal progress checks and discussion
ELL
Assessment questions in first language provided alongside English.
Gifted
Assessment includes writing prompts relating to enrichment objectives.
LESSON TIMELINE:
1 minute-Direct students to seats and call attention
5 minutes-Introduce James Hutton and display John Clerks etchings
5 minutes-Discuss/review vocabulary and knowledge of soil formation
5 minutes-Discuss/review elements and principles of art and design used in etchings
1 minute-Distribute soil handouts and assignment instructions
2 minutes-Read instructions and discuss rubric
5 minutes-Direct attention to whiteboard and demonstrate assignment and write
objectives
1 minute-Class helpers hand out drawing paper and pencil baskets
28 minutes-Students work individually to create Landscape Layers drawings and
teacher facilitates around the room
3 minutes-Teacher has students put drawings in art folders and onto class shelf
2 minutes-Class helpers collect soil and instruction handouts
2 minutes-Teacher reviews assignment and rubric for continuation of next class