Unit Plan 3 (Grade 7 Art): Multiple Solutions to One Prompt
Grade 7 art unit focused on creating and comparing multiple composition thumbnails, applying layout strategies, and selecting a final plan using criteria like focus, balance, clarity, and visual interest.
Focus: Generate and compare several composition ideas before selecting one, using visual problem-solving to explore different layout options and justify final choices.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creative Process • Composition & Decision-Making)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn that strong artwork often comes from trying many possible solutions to the same artistic problem. Building on brainstorming and idea mapping skills, they focus specifically on composition—how to arrange images, shapes, and space. Given a shared prompt (such as “A moment of change” or “Inside/Outside”), students create multiple layout options, then evaluate them using criteria like focus, balance, clarity, and interest. By the end of the unit, each student will select one composition to carry forward into a future project and explain why it is their strongest choice.
Essential Questions
- Why do artists benefit from generating multiple visual solutions to a single prompt?
- How can changing composition (placement, size, and relationships of elements) change the meaning or impact of an artwork?
- What criteria can I use to decide which composition is the strongest for my idea?
- How can I explain the reasoning behind the composition I choose?
- How do personal preferences and goals influence the choices I make in my compositions?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Respond to a shared art prompt by generating at least 4–6 different composition ideas using thumbnail sketches (VA:Cr1.7b).
- Apply basic composition strategies (e.g., rule of thirds, focal point, balance, cropping, viewpoint) while exploring different solutions (VA:Cr1.7b).
- Use a simple composition criteria checklist (focus, balance, clarity, interest) to evaluate thumbnail options (VA:Cr1.7b).
- Select one composition as the final plan and clearly explain their reasoning in writing or orally (VA:Cr1.7b).
- Create a refined composition plan sketch that prepares them to move into a larger artwork in a future unit.
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr1.7b — Generate multiple visual approaches to solve an artistic problem and explain the reasoning behind selected choices.
- Example: Students design several layout options in thumbnail form for a given prompt, evaluate them using composition criteria, and choose one for a final composition plan.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can create several different compositions from the same prompt instead of stopping at my first idea.
- I can use composition tools like focal point, balance, and rule of thirds to change my layouts.
- I can use a criteria checklist to compare my thumbnails and decide which one is strongest.
- I can clearly explain why I chose my final composition and how it supports my idea.
- I can create a refined composition plan that I am ready to use for a future artwork.