Cassidy Studtmann

Outer Space
Lesson 4 - Light and Shadow
Grade Level: 2nd

I. Standards
Standard 2. Envision and Critique to Reflect
● GLE 1. Share and explain choices made and possible next steps in personal works of
visual art and design.
○ EO b. Recognize that artists use different forms of research to inform their
practice.
Standard 3. Invent and Discover to Create
● GLE 1. Plan and create works of art by exploring various media and creating meaning
through symbolization.
○ EO c. Explain choices made in the artmaking process.
○ EO d. Respect and care for classroom materials.

II. Big Idea

Outer Space

III. Enduring Understandings

● There are connections between art and science.
○ Artists can use science to inform their work.
○ Scientists can use art to show ideas.

IV. Essential Questions

How are art and science connected?
How can artists use science?
How can scientists use art?

V. Daily Lesson Objectives

● Determine how knowledge of outer space can be used to inform personal art.
● Demonstrate knowledge of science in personal art (colors of stars/nebulas, colors of
planets, light/shadow, etc.)

VI. Activity
Students will use chalk to create shadows.
Students will use scissors and glue to add planets (and suns, if they made one) to their projects.

VII. Content Integration

● Science - light/shadow
VIII. Pre-Assessment
Show a picture of a crescent moon.
● Is the moon this shape in real life?
● If not, why does it look like that?
● Does the sun have a shadow? Why or why not?

IX. Success Criteria

● Responsible/respectful use of supplies
● Demonstrate understanding of shadows
○ Shadows at correct angles in relation to a sun
○ If no sun on project, shadows all point in one direction

X. Post Assessment
Check projects for success criteria.

XI. Differentiated Instruction/Possible Accommodations

● Differentiated Instruction
○ Provide visuals
○ Provide written instructions
○ Provide opportunities for discussion
○ Provide opportunities for movement
● Possible Accommodations
○ Extended work time
○ Adaptive art supplies
○ Additional visual or audio support
○ Individual support
● Modify lesson based on individual student needs

XII. Visuals

©iStockphoto.com/suerob
XIII. Supplies
● Black chalk
● Scissors
● Glue

XIV. Safety Concerns

● Establish a safe environment for group discussions by demonstrating listening skills and
by having clear expected behavior.
● Demonstrate and discuss how to use supplies safely and responsibly.

XV. Teaching Procedure

Beginning - Introduction or Anticipatory Set:
Show a picture of a crescent moon.
○ Is the moon this shape in real life?
○ If not, why does it look like that?
○ Does the sun have a shadow? Why or why not?

Motivation:
This project will allow students to create an image of outer space using their
imagination.

Instruction/Demonstration:
● Class discussion of light and shadow
● Demonstrate how to cut and glue
○ Demonstrate angles of shadow in relation to sun

Middle - Student Creating Phase

● Work time
○ Add shadow to planets with chalk (no shadow on sun)
○ Cut out planets and sun and decide placement
○ Check placement with teacher to ensure understanding of shadows

End - Closure
Give students a 5 minute warning before it’s time to put materials away
● Clean Up
○ Return supplies
○ Put projects on drying rack

XVI. Post Lesson Reflection

Having students check their placement with me before gluing was a huge help. It allowed me to
check for understanding during their artmaking process. I would like to add visual examples of
planets with shadows - possibly an interactive image on the SmartBoard for students to practice
shadow placement.