Unit Plan 7 (Grade 6 Art): Studio Project I — Planning & Production
Grade 6 studio art project where students plan with thumbnails, refine composition and media choices, and create a focused artwork showing clear intent.
Focus: Create a composition demonstrating thoughtful organization, developed through planning, technique practice, and clear artistic intent.
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Studio Practice • Composition)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students apply what they have learned about elements of art, principles of design, and media exploration to plan and produce a focused studio artwork. Instead of a quick exercise, they move through a studio project cycle: brainstorming, thumbnail planning, media and composition decisions, and sustained work time. Students are expected to show thoughtful organization, developing technique, and a clear idea of what they want their artwork to communicate. The unit ends with a completed Studio Project I and a short reflection on process and growth.
Essential Questions
- How does planning (thumbnails, media choices, composition decisions) improve my final artwork?
- What does it mean for an artwork to show clear intent and thoughtful organization?
- How can I use my knowledge of elements, principles, and media to support a strong composition?
- What habits help me work like an artist during studio time (focus, persistence, problem-solving)?
- How can reflecting on my process help me plan better artwork in the future?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Brainstorm and sketch multiple composition ideas for a chosen subject or theme, using thumbnails to explore layout options (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Select and refine a strong composition plan that demonstrates clear focal point and organized use of space (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Choose media and techniques based on previous experiments, explaining why those choices fit their idea and desired effect (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Work through a multi-day studio process, adjusting composition and technique as needed while maintaining overall intent (VA:Cr3.6b).
- Complete a Studio Project I artwork that shows thoughtful planning, developing technique, and clear visual intent, and reflect on process and outcomes (VA:Cr3.6b).
Standards Alignment — 6th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.6b — Complete artwork that demonstrates thoughtful planning, developing technique, and clear intent.
- Example: Students finalize a perspective drawing showing spatial depth.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can plan my artwork with thumbnails and notes instead of jumping straight to the final.
- I can choose a composition that has a clear focal point and organized space.
- I can explain why I chose certain media and techniques for my idea.
- I can stay focused during studio time, making changes when something isn’t working.
- I can complete an artwork that shows planning, growing technique, and a clear purpose, and talk about what I learned.