Jumpstart+with+Inquiry

__**Overview**__ Within this page we will explore the relationship between art and visual literacy. In order to truly "see" an image, students must first identify the many smaller parts that combine to make up the complete image. The elements of art used by artists and those who appreciate art can provide the scaffolding needed in order for students to slow down and begin to think critically about the images they encounter in the media, online, in the classroom, and those that they create themselves.

Our first task as educators will be to experience an inquiry introduction to the elements of art. Once we have made some connections of our own, we will look at this approach in an upper elementary classroom and its application to specific content areas. A link has been provided for teachers of primary aged children or those who wish to differentiate instruction according to student needs. Also included are links to tutorials for specific technology that can be integrated into your instruction.

The following brief exploration of Kandinsky's, //Flight of the Animals// is not intended to be a formal critique of the painting. Rather, an application of critical thinking using the elements of art to introduce students to visual literacy.


 * A Peek at Inquiry and Art**

Take a thirty second look at the following image. Use your back button to return to this page: [|Flight of the Animals]

//What did you see? What do you think you saw? What are some questions you have right now?//

The image is Wassily Kandinsky's, //Flight of the Animals//. For kid friendly information about Kandinsky go to: [|Artsmarts for Kids]

One of the interesting things about Kandinsky's painting is it's abstract nature. It is difficult to understand the "big picture" in only thirty seconds. Exploring Flight of the Animals through the lens of art elements actually clarifies the subject matter and possibly the artist's purpose in painting this piece.

There are seven elements of art. The following video clip provides an introduction:[|Intro to Art Elements] Line Shape Color Form Texture Value Space
 * Art Elements**

Choose any three elements to use as your lens for viewing [|Flight of the Animals] a second time. What does looking for line in this piece reveal to you? How about shape? Color? Are you beginning to see the smaller parts that make up the whole image? What do you think Kandinsky is trying to convey with this piece?

Within the painting is a deer, pigs, horses, foxes, a missile, a spatter of blood and many other images of war. Did you "see" any of these images the first time you peeked? It isn't until we began to look at Kandinsky's painting **critically** that we can really "see" the discreet parts that make up the entire image.

The following brief exploration of Kandinsky's, //Flight of the Animals// is not intended to be a formal critique of the painting. Rather, an application of critical thinking using the elements of art to introduce students to visual literacy. The focus here is upon line, shape, and color.
 * Elements of Art in //Flight of the Animals//**


 * Line:** Following the strong diagonal lines that run through center of the painting from bottom left to top right reveals the pigs, blue deer, and the green horses in the left portion of the painting. There are also strong, almost vertical lines that seem to split the painting in two. This vertical line looks like a missile. To the bottom right of the diagonal lines are a group of foxes who seem to be watching the ascent of the missile. As our eyes follow the missile to the top portion of the painting we can see a spatter of blood near the green horses. In contrast to the straight lines of the piece, there are also softer, curved lines in the animals and various objects.
 * Shape:** There are many shapes created by the lines of the piece; so many the piece is initially confusing. We see triangles, rectangles, cylinders, circles, and hemispheres, to name a few. Note the use of red triangles throughout and the mood this sets in the piece.
 * Color**: Kandinsky's use of color is bold, with both primary colors and secondary colors. Following the color groups in the painting will also help students identify the animals and objects in the painting.

For the primary grades, explore these links: [|http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRSnTFvw_54&feature=related] Kindergarten video of art elements within a school building, scavenger hunt style. [|National Gallery of Art for Kids]
 * Classroom Applications**

For upper elementary students and beyond, allow them to experience the same inquiry process that you did. Show Kandinsky's, //Flight of the Animals// for about thirty seconds and ask students: What did you see? What do you think you saw? What questions do you have right now?

Share with students the two video clips and let them explore their classroom, building, and outdoor areas, looking for examples line, color, shape, etc...

Return to Flight of the Animals and have students take a critical look at the painting. Ask them what they see now and if the way the "see" images and the world around them has changed.

History: Every Picture Tells A Story American Memory Links
 * Content Area Applications**

Science and Math: Images Powerpoint Under construction Scientific Observation and Properties Under construction

Students can document their exploration of art elements with photography that can be shared via iPhoto, iMovies, Powerpoints, Animoto, Picassa, or using a Smartboard or Acitveboard. Below are links to tutorials you may share with students to support some of this technology integration.
 * Technology Integration**

Picassa, iPhoto, and iTunes tutorials [] PC users without imaging software go to [|How to download Picassa] PC users [|Importing picutures in Picassa]

Mac users with iPhoto [|Importing pictures into iPhoto]

//Teacher Link//: tutorials for almost any software application [] //Animoto:// Turn your photos into slide-shows with music [] Apple tutorial for //iMovie '09// []