Unit Plan 32 (Grade 2 Art): Material Experiment Day

Focus: Explore new tools and materials in playful ways while practicing better control and neatness with lines, shapes, and textures.

Grade Level: 2

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students get to be “art scientists” who test different tools and materials to see what they can do. Through fun exploration at simple stations, they practice using tools with care and control—making smooth lines, careful cuts, neat glue work, and clean color. Students notice which tools feel easy or tricky and talk about how they can keep their artwork neat and clear even when they are trying new things. By the end of the unit, students understand that experimenting with materials helps them learn control and gives them new ideas for future projects.

Essential Questions

• Why do artists experiment with tools and materials before using them in a big project?
• How can I use new tools in a way that shows control and neatness?
• What do different tools and materials help me do or show in my art?
• How can I remember what I learned about tools for next time I make art?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Try using new or familiar tools (brushes, scissors, glue, texture tools, etc.) in different ways at exploration stations.
2. Show better control and neatness by making smoother lines, more careful cuts, and cleaner glue or color.
3. Notice and name at least one tool that helps them work more neatly or in a more controlled way.
4. Use a simple “Tool Test” sheet to record what each tool can do (thin lines, thick lines, dots, textures).
5. Explain one way experimenting with materials today will help them in a future art project.

Standards Alignment — 2nd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr2.2b — Experiment with tools and materials to develop better control and neatness.
  • Example: Students practice cutting curved lines carefully.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can try different tools and materials to see what they do.
• I can use tools with care so my work looks neater and more controlled.
• I can tell which tool is best for making a certain kind of line, shape, or texture.
• I can fill out a simple tool test page to show what I discovered.
• I can say one way I will use what I learned about tools in a new artwork.