Description of the Unit – Students will explore creating a three-dimensional paper sculpture of a bug on a leaf. The bug and leaf will be embellished with all sorts of patterns and colors to reinforce these artistic elements.

Activity statement – 1^st grade is a critical time for the development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This project requires students to draw, cut, arrange and glue. As the project requires planning and multiple steps, it gives these young students skills to help see an entire project through from start to finish.

I adapted this project from a great site, The Craft Train: https://www.thecrafttrain.com/3d-paper-doodlebug-insect-craft/. It checked all the boxes for the elements I wanted to reinforce, plus the site does a great job of breaking down each step. If you want to try this project with your students, I recommend visiting the site.

Goals – Students should…

Understand:

• The concept of contrasting (complementary) colors
• What constitutes a pattern

Know:

• What the terms line and pattern mean

Be able to:

• Express pattern through lines, shapes and colors
• Cut out wings, legs, antennae and body of a bug

Resources and materials –

• Visit https://www.thecrafttrain.com/3d-paper-doodlebug-insect-craft/ for step-by step instructions
• Various shades of green paper
• Markers
• White paper
• Black paper
• Bug templates
• Scissors
• Glue
• Stencils of different shapes for those who want to use them for their patterns

Questions –

• What are ways to create patterns?
• What are contrasting colors?
• What is a line?

Evaluation – Did students:

• Include patterns on their bugs and leaves?
• Effectively glue the three separate wing pieces together?
• Use complementary colors in their design?

Informal:

• Student questions
• Group discussions
• Oral responses to essential questions
• At least one finished bug
• Elaboration and risk-taking

• 1st grade
• Drawing