Unit Plan 2 (Grade 7 Art): Brainstorming & Idea Mapping
Grade 7 art unit where students develop visual ideas through research, concept mapping, and thumbnail sketches to transform themes and interests into artwork plans.
Focus: Develop visual ideas using sketches and research, exploring themes, issues, and personal interests through concept mapping, reference gathering, and thumbnail sketching.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creative Process • Idea Development)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn how artists develop ideas before creating final artworks. They practice using research, mind maps, word lists, and thumbnail sketches to turn loose thoughts into stronger concepts. Building on their personal themes and goals from Unit 1, students explore how looking at references (artists, photos, objects, stories) can spark new directions and deepen meaning. By the end of the week, students will have an organized Idea Map + Thumbnail Sheet that can serve as a launchpad for upcoming projects.
Essential Questions
- How does brainstorming help artists move beyond their first idea?
- In what ways can research and references make artwork more interesting, accurate, or meaningful?
- How can concept maps, word lists, and thumbnails help me organize and develop my ideas visually?
- How do I know when an idea is strong enough to turn into a finished artwork?
- How can I combine my personal interests with what I learn from research to create fresh, original concepts?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Use research (images, texts, objects, artist examples) to gather information and inspiration related to a chosen theme or topic (VA:Cr1.7a).
- Create at least one idea map (concept web or flow chart) that connects a central theme to related images, symbols, stories, and questions (VA:Cr1.7a).
- Generate multiple thumbnail sketches that explore different compositions and approaches to the same idea (VA:Cr1.7a).
- Combine research and brainstorming into an Idea Mapping Sheet that includes references, notes, and sketches for a potential project (VA:Cr1.7a).
- Explain in writing or verbally how their brainstorming and research process helped strengthen or change their original idea (VA:Cr1.7a).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr1.7a — Develop artistic ideas by exploring themes, current issues, or personal interests through research and visual brainstorming.
- Example: Students create concept maps and thumbnail sketches related to a theme such as “community,” “change,” or “identity,” using reference images and articles to deepen their ideas.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can collect references (images, words, artist examples) that relate to my theme or topic.
- I can make an idea map that explodes one idea into many connected possibilities.
- I can draw several thumbnails that show different ways to arrange and express my idea.
- I can explain how research and brainstorming helped me change or strengthen my original concept.
- I can create an Idea Mapping Sheet that I could use to start a more finished artwork later.