Unit Presentation
Ruth Arce
“A man paints with his brains and not with his hands”
-Michelangelo
Summary
 This unit is an introduction to the elements and
principles of design. Students will gain knowledge
that will allow them to understand, appreciate and
discuss works of art. They will also be able to
effectively use the elements and principles of design
to express their individuality and perspectives in
projects in where they will create their own works of
art.
Unit Objectives
 Students will observe, analyze, discuss, and write
about the visual aspects in works of art through the
recognition and application of the principles of
design.
 Students will examine, describe, and analyze works
of art to effectively identify the principles of design
used, focusing on dominance and subordination.
 Students will gather information, analyze, describe,
and explain how the use of certain principle of
design affects the information translated through the
visual organization of a work of art.
Target Content Standards
Develop Perceptual Skills and Visual Arts Vocabulary
 1.1 Identify and use the principles of design to discuss,
analyze, and write about visual aspects in the
environment and in works of art, including their own.
 1.2 Describe the principles of design as used in works of
art, focusing on dominance and subordination.
Analyze Art Elements and Principles of Design
 1.4 Analyze and describe how the composition of a work
of art is affected by the use of a particular principle of
design.
Curriculum Framing
Questions
Essential Question
 How can we communicate without words?
Unit Question
 How do artists communicate through art?
Content Questions
 Which dominating elements or principles of design are
used to convey the artist’s idea in a specified work of art?
 What are elements or principles of design that are used
to capture your attention in a specified work of art.
Assessment of Student
Learning
 Informative assessments will be made before project work
begins through Brainstorming and Think Pair Share to help
determine a students’ background, skills, attitude, and
misconceptions. As students work on projects and complete
tasks they will collaboratively contribute to the development
of their peers’ production of quality work by providing peer
feedback. Constant group monitoring will provide
information to assess collaborate skills and encouragement for
students to work together and complete tasks. Once the
project is complete, students will demonstrate understanding
of new material through a presentation their finished product
to classmates. A summative assessments will take place as a
score is given to the finish product based on a grading rubric
criteria.
Project Learning
 Through this method students will have the exciting
opportunity to construct knowledge by engaging
with class materials and working collaboratively
with fellow classmates on projects.
 21st Century skills will be developed that allow
students to be creative and innovative, think
critically and make complex decisions, communicate
and collaborate with other, become more aware and
proficient in technology, and develop life and career
skills.
Project Learning
 Artistic technical skills will be enhanced as students
work in projects that allow practice of artistic
techniques.
 Knowledge will be developed through the exposure
of new information.
 Comprehension and understanding will developed
through discussions and application of new learnt
material.
Unit summary
 Students will be introduced to the elements and principles of
design. It is very important for students to be interested in what
they are being taught in order for them to be engaged. Students will
be exposed to works of art that are appropriate and interesting for
their age level to engage them in conversations about the works of
art. Slowly the elements and principles will be introduced through
discussions and trough different assignments they will be applied to
art making. Students will also have the opportunity to express their
ideas and individuality using the elements and principles of design
by creating their own works of art. By the sharing their creations,
they will gain insight to their peer's perspectives and artistic
expressions. Students will develop artistic technical skills that will
help them creatively express specific ideas and points of view.