Exploring 3-Dimensional Forms!

3rd and 4th grade students spend three weeks learning about the forms and functions of masks through time  and across cultures. Using plaster and a variety of animal and human mask molds  each students created their own mask with it's own personal meaning! As you can see in the example below, one 4th grader created a mask from the 90's movie "The Mask". This movie was meaningful to him because it is his dad's favorite movie and he enjoyed watching it with him for the first time.

A brief history of mask making
The use of masks in rituals or ceremonies is a very ancient human practice across the world, although masks can also be worn for protection, in hunting, in sports, in feasts, or in wars – or simply used as ornamentation. Some ceremonial or decorativemasks were not designed to be worn.

Connecting to the National
Visual Art Standards
(Va:Cn10.1.4a)

We are synthesizing and relating knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Essential Question: How does engaging in creating art enrich people's lives? 

I Can Statement: I can create works of art that reflect community cultural traditions

Decisions made by students during our creative process:

-Is your mask functional or decorative

-Is your mask based on personal interests, historical reference, or cultural connections.

-How can you use form and color to convey your masks theme?

How disney's LION KING Masks are made!

Learn about Masks around the world!