Lesson 1: What are Dimensions?
Introduction to the 3-D world -Word Sort Activity, Making Connections Diagram

Vocabulary List:

Sculpture, Carved, Modeled, Constructed, Cast , Relief, Medium, Bronze, Plane, Volume, Welded, Dimensional

Goals:

• Teacher will be able to assess student's knowledge about dimension
• Students will make connections by association
• Students will use their existing knowledge to understand the difference between 2-D & 3-D
• Students will be introduced to art terminology

Materials:

• Index cards
• White board
• Markers
• A photograph
• Handouts from text book Looking at Sculpture

Sequence of Activity:

1. Class will be divided into two groups. Each student is given 4 index cards and told to write down 2 words that come to mind when you hear the word "2-Dimensional" and 2 words for "3-Dimensional." Teacher will also provide a stack of index cards on a table in the center of the room with words already written on them (some from vocabulary list, some objects and some artistic mediums). When all the cards are collected, the first group is given half the pile and told to find all the words that can be categorized as "2-Dimensional." The second group is told to find all the words that can be categorized as "3-Dimensional."   When they are finished, the piles are switched. A thirds pile is created from words that don't fit under either category. (approx. 15 min.)
2. When the groups are finished each group has 10 minutes to discuss what is common to all these words and come up with a definition for dimension and the difference between 2-D and 3-D. The "extra" pile words are discussed and fit into either group. 4-D is discussed as adding the extra dimension of time.
3. Teacher shows front and back of a photograph to illustrate the difference.
4. Sculpture is one of the words on the index cards and was placed in the 3-Dimensional category. A brief introduction to the Sculpture unit is given and the question, "where does sculpture fit in the world of dimensions and what are some of the terms associated with sculpture?" is proposed to the class. Review handout from textbook on Geometric shapes.
5. Teacher begins to draw a graphic organizer on the board. The teacher fills out the word "Dimensional" in the center and fills out one corner. The class helps to fill out the rest to include some of the new Sculpture vocabulary listed above.

Assessment:

• Question/Answer format with students seated at their tables.
• Referring to a Soda Can Bug Sculpture example, sculpture terms are reviewed and students are asked to references this sculpture for their answers (i.e. medium - aluminum can and wire).