Step 1: UNDERSTAND THE LEARNING GOALS
Your teacher will explain what you’re going to learn from the project. These goals will be connected to what you’re supposed to learn in your grade level.
You can also read about the curriculum and skills for Grade 9 – Art on the homework helper tab.
Step 2: GET CURIOUS ABOUT A QUESTION
During the second stage of the project you will choose a big, interesting question that your project will help answer. This question is meant to get you thinking and asking more questions. We have included 10 projects ideas as a starting point. You can discuss these ideas with your teacher as well as your XTutor before you decide on a final question.
Project Topics and Driving Questions to Start From:
1. Mixed Media Collage: Create a mixed media collage by combining various materials such as magazine cutouts, fabric scraps, textured papers, and found objects. Explore themes like identity, dreams, or social issues through the juxtaposition of different materials.
2. Digital Painting: Experiment with digital painting using graphic design software or drawing tablets. Create digital artwork with vibrant colors, intricate details, and various layers. Explore different styles and techniques such as realism, surrealism, or abstraction.
3. Fashion Design Collection: Design and create a fashion collection by sketching outfits, selecting fabrics, and constructing garments. Explore different themes, color palettes, and silhouettes to develop a cohesive and unique collection.
4. Sculptural Ceramics: Dive into sculptural ceramics by creating three-dimensional forms using clay. Explore concepts like balance, movement, or symbolism. Experiment with various hand-building techniques and glazing methods to bring your sculptures to life.
5. Street Art Stencil Project: Create stencils inspired by street art and use them to spray paint art pieces on canvas or public spaces (with permission). Explore street art techniques, such as stenciling, layering, and creating bold and impactful imagery.
6. Art and Identity: Explore the concept of identity through art. Create a series of artworks that reflect aspects of your personal identity, culture, or experiences. Experiment with different mediums and techniques to convey your messages visually.
7. Environmental Installation Art: Create an environmental installation using recycled materials or natural elements. Develop an art piece that raises awareness about environmental issues or invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature.
8. Typography Design: Dive into typography design by creating visually captivating letterforms and layouts. Experiment with different fonts, sizes, and composition techniques to communicate messages effectively through typography.
9. Art Portfolio Development: Curate and expand your art portfolio by selecting and creating artworks that showcase your growth and artistic range. Reflect on your artistic journey, experiment with new techniques, and consider presentation options for your portfolio.
10. Public Art Mural: Collaborate with classmates to design and paint a mural in a public space. Research the history, culture, or aspirations of the community to inform your mural concept. Plan, sketch, and execute the mural, transforming a dull wall into a vibrant work of art.
Step 3: PLAN YOUR PROJECT
With help from your XTutor or teacher, you and your classmates will plan out your project. This includes deciding what tasks need to be done, when they should be finished, and what materials you might need.
Remember: You can ask your XTutor to help you to create an action plan.
Step 4: START YOUR PROJECT
Your teacher will kick off the project, going over the big question, the project requirements, and the timeline. Then, it’s time to get started!
Step 5: LEARN AND EXPLORE
You and your classmates will work together to research the big question and learn new things. Your teacher will help guide you, but you’ll have a lot of control over where your learning goes.
Remember: Your XTutor is always here to help guide you with any questions or difficulties you might have.
Step 6: CHECK YOUR PROGRESS
Your teacher will check in with you regularly to see how you’re doing, give you feedback, and help you if you’re stuck. It’s important to make sure you stay on schedule and on task.
Step 7: SHOW WHAT YOU KNOW
Throughout the project, you’ll show your teacher what you’re learning through smaller assignments. At the end, you’ll complete a final project or test to show everything you’ve learned. You and your classmates can also create quick presentations to showcase the knowledge you have gained as well small quizzes to test each other’s understanding of the topic.
Step 8: SHARE YOUR WORK
Once your project is finished, you’ll share it with your classmates, your school, or even your community. This could be a presentation, a demonstration, or a showcase of your work.
Step 9: REFLECT ON YOUR LEARNING
After the project, you’ll think about what you learned, what you liked, what was hard, and how you can use your new knowledge in the future.
Step 10: REVIEW THE PROJECT
Finally, you’ll think about the project as a whole. What worked well? What didn’t? How can you do better on the next project? This will help you do even better on your next PBL project.
