Unit Plan 6 (Grade 5 Art): Media Exploration Studio

Focus: Experiment with a range of art materials and techniques to improve craftsmanship and expressive control. Students explore different media in a “studio lab” format, learning how tools behave, how to care for them, and how to use techniques like blending, layering, and texture-making to create intentional effects.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

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

I. Introduction

Students treat the art room like a media laboratory, where they can safely experiment with materials instead of worrying about making a “perfect picture.” Through guided stations and technique challenges, they explore how different media—like colored pencils, markers, watercolor, oil pastels, collage papers, and mixed media—can be used in controlled, expressive ways. They learn that good craftsmanship means understanding how materials work, caring for tools, and using techniques with purpose.

Essential Questions

• How do different art materials behave, and what techniques work best with each one?
• What does it mean to show strong craftsmanship and control when I use a material?
• How can experimenting with blending, layering, and texture help me express ideas or feelings more clearly?
• How can I decide which medium (or combination of media) is best for a future art idea?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Identify and name at least four different media (e.g., colored pencils, markers, watercolor, oil pastels, collage) and basic techniques associated with each.
2. Demonstrate at least one technique per medium (e.g., blending, layering, dry brush, washes, resist, texturing, cutting/gluing neatly) on a media sampler page.
3. Use craftsmanship practices: proper tool handling, controlled strokes, appropriate pressure, and neat workspaces during media exploration.
4. Compare how different media feel and look, describing which techniques give them more expressive control.
5. (Optional Sessions) Combine two or more media in a small mixed-media study and explain why those materials were chosen.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr2.5b — Experiment with a range of materials and techniques to improve craftsmanship and expressive control.
  • Example: Students test blending and layering techniques in paint.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name different media (materials) and show at least one technique for each.
• I can use materials with control (not scribbling randomly) and take care of tools and workspace.
• I can create a media sampler page that shows blending, layering, or texture in more than one material.
• I can explain which materials and techniques help me express certain feelings, textures, or ideas.
• I can choose a favorite medium or combination and tell why it fits my style or future art plans.