Cardboard Mask Construction

Description

Lesson Goals: To gain experience in translating a drawing into a 3-D art piece.
To gain experience in the process of idea development.
To gain experience in problem solving while exploring different materials

Outcomes Targeted: GCO 1.4 Demonstrate increasing complexity in art skills and techniques.
GCO 2.5 Work interactively, co- operatively, and collaboratively
GCO 4.2 Explore a variety of visual languages as reflected in artworks of various
cultures

I Can Statement: I can design and create an example of a mask, out of cardboard, that has been
influenced by a particular culture

Key Vocabulary and Cutting patterns, construction from a drawn plan, using hot glue gun
Skills:

Material Needed: Cardboard, utility knives, glue guns and glue, newspaper, computer, LED
Projector, access to internet, personal devices ie ipads,

Your Learners: A group of Grade 8 students with assorted range of abilities.

Lesson:

I. Introduction (Teacher organized)

Cardboard Mask Design and Construction

Explain to the class that when deciding on a design, artists must also learn to understand the limitations of the
materials they will be using.
Explain that for their first mask they will be using primarily corrugated cardboard.
Discuss how you might manipulate the cardboard. - Demonstrate as suggestions are made.
Ie. You can: cut it, bend it, fold it, layer it, peel it, glue it, paint it, etc.
Because of the characteristics of cardboard, it is difficult to create a spherical shape.
Mask Design
Tell students that for this mask, they will be limited to the following traditional styles.
African
North American Native
Show examples of previous students work
Past Student Work

Driving Question: How can I design a traditional African, or First Nations inspired mask that can be constructed
primarily out of cardboard?
Time Allotted: 20 minutes

II. Guided Learning (Teacher/student collaboration)

Stage 1
Reminding students of how they did their facial proportion drawings, instruct students to design a mask (front and
side view) of their own based on examples they will research and look at.

Things to consider: -The mask is 3- dimensional, so pay attention to what it will look like from the side
-The mask is to fit their face, so consider size and shape of mask, as well as the
positioning of the eyes, etc.
Stage 2
Demonstrate and explain tips on properly cutting with a utility knife
1. Before cutting make sure you have another piece of cardboard underneath so you wont cut into table.
2. Make sure you have enough room to work safely.
3. Draw basic outline of shape you to follow onto cardboard
4. Keep the scrap area of cardboard to be cut away, on the same side as the hand holding the knife. Ie. Knife
in right hand, cardboard to be cut away is on right side of line to be cut.
5. Extract only enough blade on the utility knife to do the job, ie 1-2 cm
6. Hold knife in the hand you write with, with the blade pointing up and facing away from you.
7. Extend index finger along back of knife handle.
8. With other hand, hold cardboard firmly in place, but not over area that will be cut.
9. When cutting: i) press firmly, keeping knife at about a 30 degree angle
10. Position cardboard so that the line youre cutting is lined up towards you. You will have more control if
you pull the knife towards you. Avoid cutting at awkward angles.
Remember: You can always turn the cardboard to get a better cutting position.

Teacher
Pre- Cut a square ( ~ 35cm x 35 cm) of card board for each student ahead of time.
Have extra cardboard available to be used as needed.
Have scrap sheets of cardboard of various sizes that students can use to cut on.

Demonstrate and provide tips on how to draw the mask shape pieces onto the cardboard, cut them out, and
assemble.
Ie.
1. Keep the side of the mask close to the edge of the cardboard in order to have more left over to
use for something else.
2. In order to keep the mask symmetrical, fold have of mask over and trace before cutting second
half.
3. Cut out each piece of mask before assembling
4. Make sure the pieces are in proper position ( if able trace location with pencil first) before gluing
with hot glue gun.
5. Help each other with the assembly (sometimes extra hands and advice are useful)
6. Remember to consider what the mask looks like from the side as well.
Advice and assist students as needed.

Time Allotted: 2 Hours

III. Collaborative Learning (Student focused activity)

Stage 1
Procedure: 1. Draw the front view and side view of your mask design
2. Using colour pencils, colour your mask design to get an idea of how you might paint it.

Remind students that the drawing and colouring designs can change during construction as needed.

Stage 2
Following teachers tips on safety, and process, carefully construct your cardboard mask based on your paper
design.
Help each other, as needed, with suggestions and assistance in regard to assembling.

Time Allotted: 2 Hours in unison with Guided Learning

IV. Grand Finale End of construction project sharing:

Show and discuss results

Time Allotted: 15 minutes

Differentiation
Give guidance and assistance to each student as needed. Encourage students to try on their own, and help each other
but be prepared to assess level of assistance required for each student.

Assessment and Evaluation: Cutting skills- 5

Assembling- 5
Use of Time/ Effort- 5

Total-15
Adaptations and IPPs: The Level of adaptations will depend on the needs of each student.
Repeating directions,
Re- demonstrating steps,
Assisting one on one in cutting, and assembling stages
Seating student closer to demonstration area
Frequent check- ins