Post-visit Activities

Post-visit Activity 1: Choose a Subject and Sketch a Portrait

Teacher Planning: Review the instructions below prior to lesson.
Time required for lesson: 30 minutes
Materials/Web Resources: pencils, lined paper, drawing paper, Internet access, books, encyclopedias, biographies

Procedures:

  1. Introduce the lesson by saying: Think about famous people in the news (scientists, computer/technology developers, mathematicians, musicians, sports figures, etc.) or biographies that you have read. (This might be a good brainstorming activity. Make a list on the board.) Select a person who will become the subject of a portrait you will create.
  2. Make a list of attributes that describe the subject of your portrait. (Students may want to use the Internet to research the person chosen.)
    1. What does s/he look like?
    2. What does s/he wear?
    3. What is his/her job?
    4. Where does s/he live?
    5. Does s/he have a family or pets?
    6. What qualities does this person have? (character)
    7. What feelings might they have?

  3. From the generated list, have students star the top five attributes that will be incorporated into the portrait.

  4. Create a rough draft of your portrait incorporating the attributes you chose. You may use any of the following: collage, paint, crayon, markers, colored pencils, or mixed media. (Please let the students know which media options they may use based on age and availability, before beginning the rough draft with paper and pencil. If children are using mixed media, they should keep track of the materials needed.)

NOTE: You may be interested in discussing this project with your school’s art teacher. Children who experience difficulty with drawing could use a collage of words and images or write an essay. For more ideas, talk to your art teacher.

Post-Visit Activity 2: Create a Finished Portrait

Teacher Preparation: Review the instructions below prior to lesson.
Time required for lesson: 40­–60 minutes
Materials: paint, markers, materials for collage, newspapers, magazines, paper, colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, construction/drawing paper, etc.

Lesson:

  1. Students should use their rough drafts to create a final portrait of the person studied.
  2. Students should be prepared to present their portrait to the class and discuss the attributes included in the portrait.

Assessment: Students may be evaluated on understanding, implementation, and participation.