Unit Plan 21 (Grade 7 Art): Mixed Media Exploration
Grade 7 mixed media unit where students combine materials intentionally, using layering and experimentation to enhance expression, meaning, and craftsmanship.
Focus: Combine materials strategically for expressive effect by experimenting with mixed media techniques that enhance meaning and craftsmanship.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Mixed Media • Studio Practice)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students explore mixed media by combining different materials, tools, and processes to create expressive small artworks. They experiment with layering (e.g., watercolor + pen, marker + collage, colored pencil over paint), testing how each combination changes texture, mood, and focus. Instead of just using materials randomly, students learn to choose media on purpose to support their idea or feeling. By the end, they complete a mixed media mini-project that shows intentional material choices, stronger craftsmanship, and a short explanation of how the chosen media support their message.
Essential Questions
- How do different materials and media change the look and feeling of an artwork?
- What does it mean to use mixed media intentionally, not just to decorate?
- How can experimenting with materials, tools, and processes improve my craftsmanship and expressive power?
- How do layering and combining media affect texture, contrast, and focal point?
- How can I choose media that best support the mood, story, or message I want to communicate?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Experiment with at least three different media (e.g., watercolor, marker, pen, colored pencil, collage) and observe how each behaves and looks (VA:Cr2.7b).
- Test mixed media combinations and layering orders to see which enhance texture, contrast, and clarity (VA:Cr2.7b).
- Plan a small mixed media artwork by selecting materials strategically to support a chosen mood, theme, or subject (VA:Cr2.7b).
- Create a mixed media mini-project that demonstrates intentional integration of materials and improved craftsmanship (VA:Cr2.7b).
- Reflect on which materials, tools, and processes worked best for their expressive goals and how they might use them in future work (VA:Cr2.7b).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr2.7b — Experiment with materials, tools, and processes to discover techniques that enhance meaning and craftsmanship.
- Example: Students test blending techniques in colored pencil before finalizing artwork.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can experiment with different materials and see how they look and feel on the page.
- I can combine media in a way that feels intentional, not random.
- I can explain why I chose certain materials and layering orders to support my idea or mood.
- I can create a mixed media artwork that shows good craftsmanship (controlled marks, thoughtful layering, neat presentation).
- I can describe which mixed media techniques I want to use again in future projects.