Lesson

Title/Focus

Soapstone Carvings

Grade
Level

Grade Two: Art & Science Social

Subject

Art & Social

Date
Time
Duratio
n
Teache
r

Tuesday
Dec. 13, 2016
140 minutes
1:00-2:10 & 2:20-3:00
Mr. Gibson

OUTCOMES FROM ALBERTA PROGRAM OF STUDIES

General
Learning
Outcomes:

Specific
Learning
Outcomes:

Social 2.1 - Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how

geography, culture, language, heritage, economics and resources shape and change
Canadas communities.
Art 2.4 Students will use media and techniques, with an emphasis on exploration
and direct methods in drawing, painting, print making, sculpture, fabric arts,
photography and technographic arts.
Social 2.1.2 investigate the physical geography of an Inuit, an Acadian, and a
prairie community in Canada by exploring and reflecting the following questions for
inquiry:
How does the physical geography of each community shape its identity? (CC, I)
Art 2.4.4 Make two and three dimensional assemblages from found materials

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, students will:
1. Learn about Inuit soapstone carvings and develop an understanding of some techniques,
tools and carving materials.
2. Learn that animals in Inuit sculpture have their own special character and they will aim to
achieve that in a soap carving

ASSESSMENTS
Observations:
Key Questions:
Products/Performa
nces:

Did students participate respectfully?

Do students understand the instructions?
What is the significance of soapstone carvings in Inuits society?
Formative Show an outline of their soapstone carving before carving their
bar of soap.
Formative Soapstone carving
o Students carve their own unique soapstone carving.

LEARNING RESOURCES CONSULTED

Social Studies Program of Studies
Fine Arts Program of Studies

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

Soapstone Carving Examples (Google Search)

Plastic Knives
Ivory Bar of Soap
Pencil & Markers
Water buckets
Newspaper

PROCEDURE
Prior to lesson
Attention Grabber
Assessment of
Prior Knowledge
Expectations for
Learning and
Behavior
Agenda

Reflect on previous lessons of learning and expected behavior

Introduction
ASK: Lets finish this unit with one more awesome keepsake
from Inuit peoples of Iqaluit before our trip ends.
ASK: Who knows what a soapstone carving is?
ASK: How would you describe this art carving?
Students will appreciate art and specifically Inuit art
themed style.
Students will raise their hand if they have questions or
something to contribute to the class

Introduce soapstone carving to the class

Time
5 minute
5 minutes

N/A
N/A

Transition to Body
Learning Activity
#1
Teacher Notes:
Assessments/
Differentiation

Consolidation of
Learning:

Handout blank sheets of paper for sketch

Handout bars of soap (in wrappers) for sketching design
Have students collect a plastic knife to begin carving
Step-by-step create soap stone carving

SAY: Please clear off your desks and take out something to
sketch with, preferably BOTH pencil and marker.
Body
Students will create authentic soapstone carvings out of bars
of soap. (Whole Group)
DO: Explain how Inuit people make a living currently
today as professionally artists, selling pieces influenced
by their culture. Show students a selection of Inuit
soapstone carvings.
DO: Students will create a rough sketch of their fish to
use as a guide.
DO: Students will show their sketch to receive bar of
soap to begin sketching design on outside paper.
DO: Students will show design and sketch their design
into their bar of soap with a pencil.
DO: Before beginning the activity, the teacher will
demonstrate the technique of carving with soap and a
plastic knife. If possible, show the students a
completed soap carving so they can see the finishing
details that can be achieved.
DO: Cover the students workspaces with newspaper
and a small dish of water for a table of students to
share.
DO: Before cutting, remind students that the soap is
very fragile so they must carve slowly and gently.
DO: Dip the blade of the knife into water before
carefully carving away the area they do not need. They
can hold the knife in their hand as if peeling an apple.
With each cutting, the knife should be dipped into the
water.
DO: Students will continue this procedure until their
soap takes the shape of a fish.
DO: All the peelings should be saved in a pile to be
used for touch-ups or add-ons afterward.
DO: Once the sculpture is complete, students will need
to carefully smooth out the features in their design so
it appears flawless like a real soapstone carving. They
can use water and their fingertips for this final touch.
Also, the bits of soap that were carved away may be
used (if moistened) to build back on to the sculpture.
DO: Let art dry and display.
Closure
SAY: Today we made authentic soapstone carvings out
of soap, that were influenced by Inuit culture.

Feedback From
Students:

ASK: Does anyone have any questions from our

activities today?

Feedback To
Students

SAY: Everyones carvings look fantastic!

10
minutes
Time
70
minutes

N/A

Time
15
minutes

Transition To Next
Lesson

Sponge
Activity/Activities
Reflections
from the
lesson

SAY: That is all for Nunavut with me, I hope everyone

had a great journey of discovery.

Have students finish any other assignments: 1) Memories from Iqaluit 2)

Inuit Persons 3) Igloos 4) Sponge activity assignments

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