Early Childhood

The Essential Question
How can students implement design in an everyday object and make a record of their design through photography?

Objective
Students will create a miniature chair using clay and other supports.

Materials
air-dry modeling clay, toothpicks, paper clips, twist ties, colored paper (background for photographing)

Procedures

1. Show students images of chairs by different designers. Discuss the function of a chair, whatʼs important (comfort) and what parts are necessary (seat, legs).
2. Ask students to consider what additional features a chair might have. Is it soft or hard? Does it have armrests? Rockers? Ask students to create a sketch of their own chair.
3. Students create miniature sculptures of their chair. Provide air-dry modeling clay and other materials (toothpicks, paper clips, twist ties). Students can experiment with using these materials as armatures, supports, and chair legs.
4. Demonstrate how to make a record of the design through photography. Students experiment with different colored backgrounds and take photos of their design using an iPad or digital camera.
5. Students choose a favorite photo for printing.

Sue Liedke is an art teacher at Settlement Music School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.