Middle School

The Essential Question
How can students use a variety of media to create a constellation artwork?

Objective
Students will create a painted background and add a stitched constellation using mixed-media techniques.

Materials

• 12 x 18" (30 x 45 cm) mixed-media paper
• tempera paint
• paintbrushes
• cups of water
• sewing needles
• embroidery thread

Step 1
Ask students to research constellations and choose one they are drawn to.

Step 2
Have students paint a large background using tempera paint on the mixed-media paper. Allow the artwork to dry completely.

Step 3
Once dry, have students lightly draw their chosen constellation on the painted background using pencil, including lines connecting the stars.

Step 4
Demonstrate how to thread a needle and sew through paper. Students practice as needed and then sew along the path of their constellation using embroidery thread. A bright thread color is recommended so the constellation stands out.

Step 5
When the sewing is finished, assist students with tying knots as needed.

Assessment
Did students follow all procedures? Did they research, draw, and embroider the path of their chosen constellation onto the painted background?

Colleen Lam is a visual arts teacher at Edgewater Elementary School in Edgewater, Colorado.