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LESSON PLAN: Recycled Baskets
DURATION: 10-14 / 50 minute periods
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OVERVIEW
In class, this project is done very much like an industrial community where everyone works together for
the benefit of all.
These baskets are made from pieces of corrugated cardboard that the students painted both sides in the
“Abstract Expressionism” Art Style. The only two rules for painting the cardboard were using a limited
four color palette which included the Primary Colors (red, yellow, blue) and white all other colors were
made by mixing them. Also the whole piece of cardboard had to be covered on both sides.
After the Cardboard was completely covered and the paint was dry it was then cut into one inch strips to
use for weaving and laid on a large pile for the students to choose between twelve and fourteen pieces
weaving into their baskets. The baskets had a minimum requirement of 3”x 3”x 4” and had to be finished
at the top with either Raffia or Wire.
Though the project calls for using cardboard it can be individuallized by having students one or two of
their least favorite art projects. It is highly recommended that either these projects be laminated or
covered on the back with a piece of contact paper to provide strength.
CURRICULUM
GLEs Accomplished In Lesson: Strand 1: 3-B, Strand III: Strand V
CCSS ELA-Literacy 6-8 4, WHST.6-8 2
MATERIALS/RESOURCES
http://www.basketweaving.com/basket_beginnings___a_basic_history.htm
http://www.heartlandtreasuresgifts.com/basket_making
http://www.familyforest.info/basketmaking.htm
Several large pieces of corrugated cardboard at least 15” long across the corrugation. (great
resource for these the school cafeteria or the paper towel boxes from the custodian.
Student grade washable acrylic paint (students will get it everywhere)
Elmers Glue
Large paperclips
Raffia, string or wire
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will learn the history of man made containers and the weaving process. Students will
also learn about the importance of recycling.
ACTIVITY STARTER
The class is introduced by viewing a short Power Point/Slide show about basketry with a
discussion on recycling and what they can do to help. Followed by students completing short
worksheet about the history of baskets, the types, and basket weaving vocabulary.
ACTIVITY MAIN
Class Periods 1-3: Once the cardboard are cut up into manageable pieces for painting. Let the
students start painting one side of each piece making sure that it is completely covered.
(Though pretty much everything in my room is covered and I tell the students straight up that
there is no guarantee the paint will come out of their cloths) Give lots of extra time for cleanup.
Class Periods 4-6: The other side of the cardboard is is painted. Students in my class are told
from the very beginning that they may or may not get the same pieces of cardboard back to
paint the other side. FYI it is always good to have a lot more than what one expects cardboard.
(Class Periods 7-8 Optional) depending on maturity and trust level. the cardboard is cut into 1”
strips across the corrugation to be used as the Warp and Weft. Otherwise a large paper cutter
will make short work of all the cardboard.
Class Periods 9-14: Students then pick out 12 to 14 strips of the cut cardboard and begin
flattening the corrugation in the cardboard till rolls without kinking. Once that is done for all of
the student’s cardboard strips he/she will begin the weaving process. Each student is given two
paperclips to use as extra hands while weaving. When the basket is near completion the
students will glue each of the warp strips to the last weft strip all the way around. Then the last
strips are wrapped around the top and sewn into place using raffia or other media.
The minimum standard in class is 3X3X4 with a wrapped decorative edge.
When the project completed students are required to write a summary essay describing their
basket the process which was used to create it and what was learned from the unit.
DIFFERENTIATION
For very low or special needs students: they can weave placemats.