6th Grade Package and Label Designs

For this project-based learning activity, students learned about how art is an important element to help advertise and decorate the things we buy. We learned about 3D art-making and simple graphic design for this project.
Students could work in a team or independently and were allowed to redesign an existing object or idea, or create a new one.
There were packages designed for the following items:
* Food, snacks, and beverages
* Shoes
* Video games
*Pet food
*Art Supplies
*Accessories
Students also had the opportunity to design their label on the computer.
Below are some of our samples:

5th Grade Color Wheel Project

Below are a few samples from a recent color study project completed by our 5th graders. We studied the color wheel and different color relationships and painted designs on paper.
The students were invited to draw single or multiple objects or shapes on their paper before painting.
They also learned about color mixing and technical skills.

6th Grade Tree Theme Projects

This was a choice-based project where the students were to create an artwork based on a theme. Trees were the theme for this project and the students had three full classes to choose and explore materials and create a Tree.
They had a choice to draw, paint, or make a 3D model. Since choice was a strong element during project, students were encouraged to work on a area where they felt strongest. This was a good confident builder. It was also awesome to see students learn by trying materials and techniques in which they knew nothing about.
Below are some pretty cool samples!

Choice = Student Engagement

Let's start by saying, I have learned a lot over the past few years-and the students are benefiting. For sometime now, I have been working hard to bring in choice-based and inquiry learning. Basically, I am staying active in learning about what students care about and not only what I have to say to them. I am learning to lead by asking questions and encouraging students to work together to learn and share creative ideas.
Our classroom is always changing so that students will need the materials necessary for their individual project choices. We have a room divided into different stations: Painting, drawing, making/tinkering, mixed-media/collage, building, and mess :) Yes, mess.
I would encourage any teacher who hasn't taken the time to investigate choice-based learning and stations to give it a shot.
Get ready for a whole new, and exciting, dynamic: Students working because they want to!