Unit Plan 7 (Grade 7 Art): Studio Project I — Planning & Production
Grade 7 studio project where students plan and produce a polished final artwork, applying composition, elements/principles, and purposeful media choices to communicate clear visual intent and demonstrate technical growth.
Focus: Create a fully planned artwork demonstrating intentional design, using prior learning about composition, media, and elements/principles to carry an idea from concept to polished final piece.
Grade Level: 7
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Studio Practice • Planning & Production)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students launch Studio Project I, moving from planning to production of a full artwork that shows clear visual intent. Building on earlier units in brainstorming, composition, balance, and media exploration, they select a personal theme or prompt, develop a final composition plan, and choose media on purpose to support their idea. Throughout the week, students set goals, track progress, and respond to quick check-ins so their final piece demonstrates technical growth, thoughtful design, and clear communication of an idea or mood.
Essential Questions
- How does careful planning (sketches, composition, media choices) improve my final artwork?
- In what ways can I show clear visual intent so viewers understand what I want them to notice or feel?
- How do I balance following my plan with making adjustments during the production process?
- What evidence can I see of my own technical growth in Studio Project I?
- How can I manage time and effort in the studio so I finish work at a high level of craftsmanship?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Choose a theme or prompt and develop a clear artistic intention (what they want to communicate or explore) for Studio Project I (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Create a final composition plan (refined sketch) that applies elements of art, principles of design, and prior composition strategies intentionally (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Select appropriate media and techniques based on previous media exploration to support their concept and mood (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Complete a finished artwork that shows planning, technical growth, and consistent effort, with attention to composition, craftsmanship, and clarity (VA:Cr3.7b).
- Reflect on their process, identifying specific examples of growth and intentional decisions in the final piece (VA:Cr3.7b).
Standards Alignment — 7th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr3.7b — Complete artwork that demonstrates planning, technical growth, and clear visual intent.
- Example: Students produce a final mixed-media piece that reflects thoughtful composition, media choice, and craftsmanship aligned with a stated artistic goal.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can state my artistic intention (what I want my artwork to communicate) in simple, clear language.
- I can create a composition plan and follow it, making adjustments only when they improve my design.
- I can choose media and techniques on purpose to match the look and mood I want.
- I can complete a final artwork that shows growth from my earlier sketches and practice activities.
- I can explain how my planning and choices led to a clear, finished piece.