Complementary Icosahedron Forms
Lesson Plan
Description
Icosahedrons are 20-sided shapes. Using mathematical and color theory
knowledge, students will create an icosahedron that showcases
complementary colors, values, and complex patterns.
LEVEL
Intermediate
AREAS OF STUDY
Sculpture Markers Color Form Math
COLLECTIONS
Mixed-Media Sculpture
Lesson Objectives
Time Requirements
Students will discover the 20-sided forms called icosahedrons.
TEACHER PREP TIME
10 minutes
Students will revisit their knowledge of complementary color and
value.
DEMONSTRATION TIME
1 hour
Students will apply mathematical skills to create the sides of an
icosahedron and form it together.
STUDENT STUDIO TIME
6 hours
Students will develop their form through a variety of approaches.
Students will use provided resources to guide their reflection and
revision.
Supplies and Materials
• 12” x 18” white construction paper
& carbon paper
Teaching Strategies
• Facilitate a discussion about icosahedrons, complementary colors,
and value.
• Tempera paint
• Paint brushes and palettes
• Pencils and erasers
• Demonstrate the paper folding and painting process.
• Scissors
• Demonstrate how to use the pattern to copy images with carbon
paper.
• Rulers
• Explain complex patterns and how to add complex patterns to
icosahedron pieces.
• Black markers
• Show students how to arrange 20 pieces on top using the
Icosahedron Assembling Map resource.
• Guide students as they develop their form through a variety of
approaches.
• Guide students to use provided resources to guide their reflection
and revision on the process.
• Glue
Steps
1
Develop Criteria
Facilitate a discussion about icosahedrons,
complementary colors, and value. Review
steps to make an icosahedron. Determine
what success at each step looks like by
completing the Artmaking Process Checklist.
2
Paint Paper
Fold two pieces of construction paper into
12 sections. Choose a complementary color
set. Paint the folded paper using the chosen
color set.
3
Cut Pattern
Explain complex patterns and how to add
complex patterns to icosahedron pieces. Cut
out an icosahedron pattern.
4
Trace Pattern
Trace pattern on the back side of both
painted construction paper pieces. Use
carbon transfer paper. Create a triangle in
the middle of each circle using a ruler.
Steps Continued
5
Cut out Circles
Cut out all painted circles. Add complex
patterns with marker if desired. Fold along
the lines of the triangles on the back of the
paper using a ruler. Cut out and use the
triangle from the icosahedron tracer pattern.
6
Place Pieces
Place all folded pieces on a copy of the
Icosahedrons Assembling Map. Follow the
directions on the resource to glue pieces
together.
7
Assemble Pieces and Reflect
Fold edges using letter code from the
resource. Glue like letters together and hold.
Piece the sides together with the color facing
out until all sides are together. Reflect on
successes of work through a written
reflection.
Idaho Standards
CREATING
VA:Cr3.1.8a
Apply relevant criteria to examine, reflect on, and plan revisions for a work of art or design in
progress.
VA:Cr2.1.6a
Demonstrate openness in trying new ideas, materials, methods, and approaches in making
works of art and design.
VA:Cr2.1.7a
Demonstrate persistence in developing skills with various materials, methods, and
approaches in creating works of art or design.
VA:Cr1.2.7a
Develop criteria to guide making a work of art or design to meet an identified goal.