TITLE: Mobiles – Winter Theme
Subject: Basic Art
Grade Level: 6-12
Time Frame: 1-2 class periods
Goal: Students will construct a winter theme mobile
.
Objectives: Students will learn about Alexander Calder and mobiles. Students will learn about balance
and symmetry. Students will reflect on winter activities and objects that they enjoy.
Standards / Benchmarks: Analyzing in context 3, 25 / Creating 2, 15
Supplies/Materials: White Drawing paper, thin white paper, markers, oil pastels, tempera paint,
brushes and painting supplies. Book on Alexander Calder or video
Motivation/Anticipatory Set: Students are engaged in discussion by assessing what they know about
mobiles. Then mobiles are explained and they view work of Alexander Calder.
Procedures: Students paint or draw winter related objects and activities on white paper. Then students
cut out their objects and punch a hole on the top/bottom of their object depending on placement on the
tier. The hole must be punched so that the weight is balanced. Next students combine their objects by
affixing them to dowels. Each mobile can be tiered with about 12 objects on each mobile.
Snowflake Mobile construction: 1. Students fold a sheet of paper at the corners to achieve a right angle.
Trim excess so that when the paper unfolds it is a perfect square. 2. Bring the folded corners together
and make a fold. 3. Hold the triangle so that it is balanced /symmetrical and points down. Now fold
opposite corners together. 4. Now cut patterns into the folded areas to make designs in the snow flake.
Themes for mobiles: Snowmen, Christmas trees, Snowflakes, snowballs, winter sports
Vocabulary: Mobiles, Symmetry, Balance, Repetition, Pattern
Assessment: Did the student complete three unique shapes?
Integration with other Subject Areas: n/a
Adaptation for special Needs Students: n/a