Unit Plan 21 (Grade 6 Art): Mixed Media Composition
Grade 6 mixed media unit where students layer and combine materials to enhance expression, clarify meaning, and create visually dynamic compositions.
Focus: Combine materials to enhance visual communication through layered mixed media artworks.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Mixed Media • Expression & Technique)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students explore how mixed media—using more than one material in a single artwork—can make ideas clearer, richer, and more expressive. They experiment with combinations such as marker + watercolor, collage + drawing, or crayon resist to see how each pairing changes mood and meaning. Students learn to make intentional choices about which materials to combine and where to place them in a composition so the viewer can easily understand the focus and message of the piece.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to create a mixed media artwork?
- How can combining different materials and techniques change the mood or message of an artwork?
- How do I decide which materials best match the idea or feeling I want to communicate?
- How can layering (background vs. foreground, collage vs. drawing) help organize a composition?
- Why is experimentation important before committing to a final mixed media design?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Define mixed media and identify examples where artists combine materials in a single artwork (VA:Cr2.6b).
- Experiment with at least three different material combinations (e.g., watercolor + pen, collage + pencil, crayon + wash) and record their visual effects (VA:Cr2.6b).
- Plan a composition that uses layers (background, middle ground, foreground) and mixed materials to support a clear focal point and message (VA:Cr2.6b).
- Create a mixed media composition that intentionally combines materials to enhance mood, contrast, and clarity (VA:Cr2.6b).
- Reflect on which material combinations were most effective for expressing their idea and why (VA:Cr2.6b).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr2.6b — Experiment with a variety of materials and techniques to expand artistic skill and expressive possibilities.
- Example: Students test watercolor washes and blending techniques before finalizing artwork.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can explain what mixed media means and name at least two materials used in my piece.
- I can show evidence that I experimented with different material combinations before choosing my final approach.
- I can plan and layer materials so my main idea or focal point is easy to understand.
- I can describe how my choice of materials (e.g., soft, bold, transparent, textured) helps communicate a feeling or message.
- I can reflect on which material combinations worked best and how they expanded my artistic skills.