- Learning to use art with subject matter to communicate meaning and enhance learning.
- Reference books of fish and aquatic life.
- Mr. Sketch® washable markers, Col-Erase® erasable colored pencils, manila paper, 36"x48" white paper, erasers, scissors and stapler.
- Art and Science — Studying the anatomy of fish.
Using reference books of fish, discuss the many variations in body shapes, fins, tails and other features. Using Col-Erase® erasable colored pencils, Mr. Sketch® markers and 9"x12" manila paper, ask the children to draw and color a different type of fish on each side.
During the next class period, using 36"x48" white paper, instruct the children to fold the paper to form two 36"x24" surfaces. Using a pencil, ask them to draw their favorite fish on one of the surfaces while reminding them to include features such as the tail, fins, gills and their own creative fish design. Instruct children to draw over pencil lines using a Mr. Sketch® black marker. Direct them to turn over artwork to outline their work on the other side by tracing over lines that can be seen through the double layer. Using Col-Erase® erasable colored pencils, or Foohy® metallic colored pencils, ask students to decorate their fish in bright, vivid colors. Next, direct them to cut out the fish on the outside contour line, cutting through both sheets of paper at the same time.
Staple the sides together at two or three inch intervals, leaving an opening for stuffing the fish. Ask children to stuff scraps of paper left over from cutting out the fish through the opening. (Newspaper can be used if there are not enough scraps.) After stuffing, staple the opening closed. Staple a 24" piece of string to the balance point at the top of each fish for hanging. (Note: this may take several class settings to complete.)
(Originally published in School Arts, submitted by Jeanne R. Johnson, an elementary art instructor in the Mechanicsburg Area School District, Mechanicsburg, PA.)
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